Chester Ray Bates

Chester was born June 24, 1946, to the union of James B. Bates Sr., and Lonteen Ross Bates in Walnut Grove, Mississippi. As the third child of eleven, he was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Ollie Lee, Joann, Erdia Faye, Grace Hellen, and Linda Burnette, his mother-in-law; Jun Lim, and a brother-in-law; Su Kil Chung.

Chester loved attending church, he joined as a child and was baptized in Mississippi. After the family moved to Indianapolis, he joined the Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Ray L. Sanders. He played the guitar and sang in the choir, and he loved attending conventions and traveling with different ministers to revivals. Chester joined Light of the World Christian Church under Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr., and he remained a member under Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock until his health began to fail.

Chester attended Indianapolis Public Schools #12, #22, #26, #73 and he graduated from Arsenal Technical High School. He later joined the US Army; he was ranked as a Sargent. While stationed in the Korean Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, Chester met and fell in love with Su Ae Chung, and to their union three children were born: Michael Ray, Donald Ray, and Sue Michelle Bates. After leaving the military he returned to Indianapolis and received two degrees in Industrial Management. He worked at General Motors where he was a member of the UAW and retired after 34 years. Before his health began to fail, he attended UAW meetings to visit with his friends.

Chester loved traveling and was always ready to hit the highway; he enjoyed driving across the country taking all the scenic routes. He liked to document his trips by taking pictures and videos, he would enjoy showing his travels with family and friends. . . including his mapped-out Atlas! Chester had a knack for fixing anything and would offer his knowledge to his family. His talents were many and, always willing to help others. Chester loved to watch the old classic cowboy films with John Wayne and the Andy Griffth Show. He came from a long line of music pros: his grandfather, Elder Lank Chester Bates, played left-hand steel guitar. His uncle L C “Lefty” Bates and LeBro Bates also played guitar. Chester was very good at inspiring and teaching others to play the guitar. You could find him striking a chord at his mother’s house Sunday evenings.

Chester leaves to cherish his wonderful memories and to carry on his legacy by his wife Su Ae, his children: Michael Ray, Donald Ray, and Su Michelle Bates; grand-daughter Andraya Bates; siblings: his brother James (Betty) Bates and sisters; Mary M. Freeman, Dorene (Frank) Kennedy, Lourene (Gaylord) Legge, Lodis Annette Bates. Brothers-in-law; Young S. Chung, and John Chung; sisters-in-law: Soon Ae Chung, Helen Chung, and Soon Ni. Great Aunt Dixie Sparkman, special aunts: Hattie Ross Taylor and Myrtis Lewis Ross and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.