Obituary of Deacon Floyd Thomas Bates

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your path. Proverb 3:5 February 15, 1927 - March 28, 2016 Deacon Floyd Thomas Bates, age 89, entered into eternal rest, Monday, March 28, 2016, at St. Francis Medical Center in Chesterfield, VA. He was born in Moseley-Powhatan, Virginia on February 15, 1927. Floyd was converted and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, and was baptized and joined Second Antioch Baptist Church. God used him in so many ways to touch the hearts of many. Floyd was educated in Powhatan Public Schools. At the age of 18, he was inducted into the Army and stationed in Japan as part of the Occupation Forces at the end of World War II. He returned to Powhatan after completing his tour of duty. Floyd was employed for 23 years at Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company and retired from the Federal Reserve Bank after 20 years of service. Floyd and Tessie met and were married on March 26, 1949. Together, Floyd and Tessie raised five children. Floyd was a member of the Second Antioch Baptist Church where he served on and chaired the Deacon, Usher and Trustee Boards. He was also a member of the Free Mason Shining Light Lodge #272 and volunteered for various other community organizations. Floyd is survived by his loving wife; Tessie Ophelia Branch Bates, children; Glenn Floyd Bates, Larry Thomas Bates, Margie Kathryn Bates, Melody Bates Harris, and Michael Otis Bates, grandchildren; Chrystal Bates Camphor (Corey), Whitney Lauren Harris, and Ryan Harris, great-grandchildren; Brooklynn Alysia Camphor, Carrington Marie Camphor, and Malachi Ryan Harris, in-laws; Marion Miller, Marjorie Keyes, Cora Bates, Amy Bates, a host of nieces, and nephews, among them devoted nieces, Florine Bell and Sheryl Bellamy along with many other relatives and friends. Floyd had a generous spirit and dedicated much of his time to his church responsibilities, assisting those in need; mentoring young men and women; and serving his community in any way he could. He was an avid hunter and encouraged his sons and grandson to develop a passion for the sport. Thank you for leaving behind a legacy of diligent and aspiring work habits. His motto was “Do good, be good and good will come to you.”