Wade Schley Bates' Obituary
While returning in flight from Wisconsin, Wade Schley Bates, 58 of West Fork, Arkansas, ascended into heaven on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 in Hartsburg, Missouri. He was born April 1,1966 in Houston, Texas to John Lloyd Bates and Betty Jean (Lewis) Bates. Wade shared his salvation with many, proclaiming Christ was the only way into heaven. The family are faithful members of Cross Church Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Wade graduated from West Fork High School in 1984 where he excelled in track, baseball, and football. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Service. After serving 4 years in the military, he enrolled at the University of Arkansas and tried out as a walk-on for the Razorback football team. He succeeded and eventually played for the Razorbacks in the 1988-1989 SWC Cotton Bowl Championship.
Wade’s hobbies included anything outdoors, fishing, water skiing, snorkeling, diving, driving, and flying.
He was a pet lover extraordinaire, taking on several rescue dogs. At one point, he had 9 pets, 2 horses, and cattle. Wade had a heart and compassion for others in need.
Wade was a man of fortitude and grit. Few achieve in life what he accomplished as he was successful in numerous skills and trades with many certifications. He helped people be strong to face challenges they encountered and filled abundant voids for others.
Upon graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1992, Wade became a journeyman in carpentry, electricity, plumbing and mechanics. Wade and Sonia built their home on the property he was raised.
Wade was a Nascar and sports fanatic. For years, he designed, built, and competed racing his modified cars. He raced at Thunder Valley, Tri-State, West Siloam Springs and many others. In his next career, he embraced the challenges of becoming an owner operator over-the-road truck driver. For a period of time, he also worked at Memco and Latco. Wade zealously enjoyed his last exciting profession as a Fleet Service Manager and Private Pilot for Thomson Enterprises.
Wade’s idea for his first date with Sonia was renting a Cessna and flying around Houston area which resulted in their enjoyment in 29 years of marriage. During their journeys they enjoyed trips built around adventure. Wade was Angelica’s biggest sports fan always challenging her to be as good as him.
Wade was preceded in death by his father, John L. Bates, and siblings, Anthony Alexander, Randy Bates, Tonya Bates, and Robert J. Bates (Robby). He is survived by his wife, Sonia Bates, daughter, Angelica Bates of the home, mother, Betty Jean Alexander of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and one sister, Tracie Saulsbury of Beaumont, Texas. He is loved and will be missed by his nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 22nd from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Cross Church in Fayetteville with the service beginning at 2:00 pm, Pastor Jonathon Beasley officiating. The burial will be at Baptist Ford Cemetery in Greenland, AR. Pallbearers honoring Wade's memory will be David King, Jared Thomson, JC Mattingly, Shane Carey, Mark Bartlett, and Kelly Holiday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassion 479 located 3157 West Sunset Avenue, Springdale, Arkansas 72762 or by following this link https://app.securegive.com/CompassionNWA/compassion-nwa/donate/category
To sign the online guest book please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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