Raymond A. "Buddy" Bates, Jr.

On August 10, 2016,Raymond A. "Buddy" Bates, Jr. 72 of Mogadore was received into the arms of his Heavenly Father. Buddy and his wife Pastor Norma (LaCharity) Bates celebrated 45 years of marriage in March. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Jodie and Chad Holsing and two granddaughters, Savannah and Jordan of Pennsylvania and son Brian Bates of Mogadore and grandchildren Conner and Rebecca of Springfield Township. Buddy will be forever remembered as the most loving husband, father, and papa anyone could hope to have. Buddy retired from Continental General Tire in 2001 after 30 years of service. He is a 1962 graduate of Manchester High School, and proudly served in the United States Navy. Buddy loved his family, fishing in Canada on Rice Lake, playing  high school sports, Silver League baseball, riding motorcycles, and his beloved dog Emma. He loved the beauty of the Arizona desert at sunset and traveling. Surrounded by his family and a host of friends, Buddy fought a battle with Alzheimer's and salivary gland cancer for 10 years. His family would like to thank Visiting Angels caregivers and AGMC Visiting Nurse Hospice in Copley for excellent care during these difficult years. Buddy is survived by four sisters, Joyce Savoia, Judy Pfaff, Sandra Todd and Nancy (Brads) Armbruster. Calling hours will be from 5 to 8:30 PM Sunday, August 14, 2016 at Charlestown United Methodist Church, 6408 Rock Spring Road, Ravenna, Ohio. A Celebration of Life will be held at Charlestown United Methodist Church at 11AM Monday, August 15, 2016 with Reverend Jeff Gindlesberger and Reverend Marilyn Coney officiating. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in his honor to the Charlestown UMC Building Fund,6408 Rock Spring Road, Ravenna, Ohio 44266 or AGMC Visiting Nurse and Hospice in Copley. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shorts Spicer Crislip FuneralHome Ravenna Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared at http://www.sscfuneralhomes.com./