Wiley Bates Jr

Wiley E. Bates, Jr. transitioned peacefully at home on March 18, 2024 at the age of 80, following a 14 month battle with cancer. Born in Columbus, Ohio to Wiley E. Bates, Sr. and Louise J. Bates, he was a graduate of East High School and Franklin University. Wiley accepted Christ and was baptized at a young age at the Second Baptist Church. As an adult, he continued his walk with Christ at the Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church (formerly the Reeb-Hosack Community Baptist Church) where he served faithfully and was the Lead Servant of the Trustee and Culinary Ministries. His career path began with the Kroger Corporation as part of the management team. The career path changed to state government where he retired with 30 years of service with the Ohio Department of Taxation as the Assistant Administrator of Processing. A proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, he served as Financial Secretary for 35 years and was one of the few Alpha Rho Lambda chapter members to meet a founding Jewel. In 2023, he was presented his 60 year pin. His volunteer board service included Christmas In April (Rebuilding Together Columbus), Columbus Neighborhood Health, and South Side Settlement.

Preceded in death by parents, those who are left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 59 1/2 years Donna; sons, Harold (Briggette) of Pickerington, OH, Leon, Columbus, OH and Wiley, III (Carla) of Frisco, TX; eight grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Bates Price, of Owings Mills, MD; cousins, Willie Short, Beverly Ball, and Linda Ball of Hobson City, AL, Jo Ann Jenkins, Henrico, VA; special cousin-in-law, Myra (Arthur) Syfax; nephews, cousins, other family members and the Resurrection Church Family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 to include The Alpha Phi Alpha, Incorporated Omega Service followed by the Celebration of Life. Events will take place at Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church, 258 Hosack Street, Columbus, Ohio, Eulogist presiding, Dr. John S. Little, Senior Pastor.

Burial will take place at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 28, 2024, Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio.

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