William McNeal Bates, cherished Husband, Father, Grandpa, & Friend, passed away suddenly on April 11, 2024. He was reunited with his parents Elbert and Ellyn Bates, his brother Gary Bates, and his first wife Barb Sailors. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Bates, his seven children Brad (Staci) Bates, Terri (Tim) Jackson, Todd (Desiree) Bates, Kristie (Sean) Powers, Nick Bates, Kellee Bates, Katie (Max) Larsen, his German son Robert (Sandra) Bauer, and his sister Marilyn Bates. His legacy lives on in his ten grandchildren, six great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Bill Bates spent the majority of his life living on the farmlands surrounding Spokane, WA. He was born and raised in Spokane Valley where he graduated from Central Valley High School in 1958. He attended Washington State College (Go Cougs!) where he received a Bachelor's of Science in Pharmacy in 1963. While attending college, he resided in Stimson Hall and he competed on the WSU Rifle team with honorary mention. He took great pride in all his work and this laid the foundation to his abundant and successful future.

He married Barbara Brown (Sailors) in February 1964. She was a school teacher and they raised three children on a farm on Peone Prairie until their marriage ended in 1980.

He joined his father's business, Bates Model Pharmacy, in 1963, and assumed full ownership in 1973. Throughout the life of his business he grew three retail pharmacies, expanded nursing home pharmacy services, pioneered computer related services in the industry, and purchased an independent medical supply company. He took great pride in building a family-like employee community as he grew his business.

In November 1984 he married Barbara Smith (Bates). She was a pharmacist and they spent nearly four decades raising four children on a farm in Chattaroy until his heartbreaking passing.

Bill had a sharp mind for business and a cowboy's heart. He loved his farm life. Bill raised many animals and always had a dog, chicken, kid, or cow by his side. Springtime brought smells of dirt on his hands and roses in the air. Raspberry season stained his fingers and was always a favorite. He loved to feed the birds and witness the wildlife that swirled around him. You could often find him, Coors in hand, watching the deer graze along the horizon.

In addition to his thriving farm, Bill and Barbara Bates purchased a lake place at Indian Creek on Priest Lake in 1995. This quickly became a place of gathering and celebration that Bill gladly shared with all his friends and family. All were welcome, always. The nights spent sitting around the fire with him and the days spent playing cribbage on the dock with him will be cherished forever.

Bill Bates is a legend. He lived a life of dedication, hard work, great love, and deep compassion. His wife, children, and family will carry on his legacy knowing they were always his "inspiration and greatest source of satisfaction."

"LOVE YOU FOR ALWAYS ~ All the wine is for you.   Celebrate!!!