Russell George Bates, 77, of St. Simons Island passed away on December 3rd, 2022.  He was born June 11, 1945, to Eleanor Reney Bates and George A. Bates of Providence, Rhode Island

Russ is survived by his wife of 17 years, Trish Bates, his children, Jason Bates (Amy), Chris Bates (Natalie), Tim Bates (Amy), Staci Bates, Katie DeBruhl, and John Paul DeBruhl, grandchildren, Couper, Cannon, & Carter Bates, Matthew & Rusty Bates, Jeremy & Tyler Bates, and Parker Knox, a sister, Nancy Busse (Jim), cousins, Bob Winslow (Nancy), Janet Wilcox, Vicki Trapp (Stafford), Richard Reney, Steven Sherman (Mary Ellen), and Douglas Winslow (Robin).

Born and raised in Rhode Island, Russ attended East Providence High School.  In the summer following his freshman year, Russ's dad accepted a new job in Memphis, TN, and the family moved.  There Russ discovered that he really liked the south.  He excelled at Memphis University School, where he graduated in 1963.  Russ always loved being near the water and looked forward to annual vacations on lake Maranacook in Maine and frequent summer days with cousins at Briggs Beach in Little Compton, RI.

Russ never met a stranger, and he could connect with anyone as if he had always known them.  He was warm and wise and funny, and he had the most remarkable memory for great movie lines and family history.  He loved gatherings with family and friends and Supper Club, and he loved to cook and work on projects with Trish. Russ loved his dogs and always treated them as family members.

Russ enjoyed a 35-year career with the McDonald's Corporation bringing his family to Kingsland, GA, and then moving on to own and operate Food Pride Grocery in Woodbine, GA.  Later he worked as a caddie for Sea Island Resort and in the resorts outside services department.  He joined Hilaire Bauer & Associates LLC in 2006 enjoying a long career as a real estate agent until his death in 2022.

A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 8th, at the Lovely Lane Chapel at Epworth By the Sea, 100 Arthur J. Moore Dr., St Simons Island. Donations can be made to the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Chapman Funeral Chapel & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.