Curtis Bates

Curtis Louis Bates was born in John Gaston Hospital on July 13, 1960 in Shelby County, Memphis, TN. His grandparents, Julia Neal Brooks and Oliver Davis Brooks, Curtis and Ruth Lean Neal; his fathers, Thomas Henry Bates and Willie B. Harris, Sr.; sisters, DeLois Ann Bates-Richardson and Brenda Bates; brother-in-law, Rudolph Rozier; niece, Crystal Wells; great niece, Laityn Brielle Wells; nephew, Shawn Eric Harris; aunts and uncles, Mary L. White, Odise Brooks, Sylvester Brooks, Jessie Bell Flowers, Lorene Nelson, Josephine Brooks, Johnny Brooks, and Loyce Williams all preceded him in death. Curtis was known by many as “Young Truck” in the Fort, “Curt” in Denver and Dallas, “The Drifter” in Memphis, and “Unc” in Louisville. He gave his life to Christ early in life and was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church on November 9, 1980 under the leadership of the late Rev. P.H. Love. After relocating from Fort Wayne to Denver, CO, Dallas, TX, Atlanta, GA, and Memphis, TN to Louisville, KY, he attended Bates Memorial Baptist Church, Dr. F Bruce Williams, Senior Pastor. Young Truck, was a graduate of R. Nelson Snider High School, Class of 1979. He has held several positions, which started with Harris & Sons, Remington Lodging & Hospitality-Marietta Conference Center and Resort of Dallas, TX and CI Services Now, LLC of Louisville. He was most recently employed by Delta Direct Staffing as Café Press, Louisville, KY. Unc’ was the neighborhood Chef and Grill Master! If you were ever looking for some sho’nuff award-winning Ribs, Polish, Hot Dogs, Chicken-On-Can and Corn on the cob, all you had to do was follow the smoke in the air. Unc’ would cook a lot, but there was never any leftovers because he would “eat’em.” There was nothing he couldn’t cook. He would say, “You can’t be in no hurry when cooking!” Unc’ should’ve had his own restaurant or a grill on wheels. He feed the neighborhood; he had a big heart! He loved seeing people enjoying themselves. Young Truck’ lived a full life. He has lived in Denver, CO, Dallas, TX, back to Memphis, TN, Atlanta, GA, to Louisville KY. He wasn’t afraid of change and would say, “gotta keep it moving - can’t let no grass grow under my feet.” He had a big heart, was a giver, outgoing, full of laughter and never met a stranger. He was old school. He never got caught up in spending money on the latest cars or commodities. He frequently wore a pair of starched jeans with a hard crease, plaid shirt with a white t-shirt and white gym shoes. He loved Kirk Franklin music and also old school music (Average White Band). He was laid back and a no-drama kind of guy. He developed close relationships with many, and his unconditional love for his family will never be forgotten. Curtis departed this life on Sunday, September 30, 2019 at 6:11am in Louisville, KY. He leaves to cherish and continue his memories his beloved mother, Mary H. Harris; siblings, Richard (Shawnee) Bates, Indianapolis, IN., Ruby Bates and Willie (Cherry) Harris II both of Fort Wayne, IN.; a devoted niece, Valentine Bates (Lamont); and his side-kick, great-nephew, Zavior Shively of Louisville, KY who was like his son; siblings, Beverly (Terran) Holley of Collierville, TN; Annette Bates, Carmelia (Matthew) Wolf, Tarsha (Jernerio) Wade, and Ravella (Jalissa) Bates, Tony (Rita) Bates, Jimmy (Essex) Bates, Rondell (Inga) Bates, Ricky Bates, Simeko Bates, Ricco (Shantya) Bates and Lorenzo (Roshun) Bates all of Memphis, TN; uncle, Wesley (Bobbie) Brooks, Compton, California; special aunt, Annie B. Brooks, Memphis, TN; uncle, adopted son and brother, Lee “Ricky” Lane; his homies, Trent Wilson and Bill McGlaston all of Fort Wayne, IN; a true friend and co-worker, Kenny Griffin and Terre (Diane) Dickerson, Tiffany Neal all of Louisville, KY; long-time family friends, Mrs. Alice (Cleo) Wilson; long-time companion and friend, Odessa Fielder, Dallas, TX and a host of extended relatives and friends.

I had a lot to do. More than some of you. But yet you wonder why I rest. I finished early. I started on time, Even though the choice was mine. And I put in a full day’s work. But, I finished early. I thought at first the road was long. But I just asked the Lord to keep me strong. And step by step, I ran the race. I just finished early. I’m not a quitter my friend. I keep on fighting to the end. And the only thing I can say is - I just finished early. But the measure of man’s mind, And not my God’s own time, Do some of you look at the years. I just finished early. But with God it counts not at all - How long, how brief, how great, how small. But He looks for a ready heart. Even if you finish early. -Author Unknown

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