Tommy Roy Bates

Tommy Roy Bates, 85, of Lorena, Texas, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, March 21st. He was born on October 19, 1940, in Waco, Texas, to John Raymond Bates and Mary Margaret Bates, a place he proudly called home throughout his life.

Tommy spent his early years in the Clifton, China Spring, and Rock Creek areas, growing up as one of eight children alongside five brothers and two sisters. Those years shaped his grit, his independence, and the deep value he placed on family.

In the early 1960s, Tommy married Betty Joan Bates and together they raised three children: Tammy Jo Brooker, Timothy Bates, and Shelley Ashley. Later in life, he met Teena Jane Bates, and the two shared nearly 36 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and unwavering commitment to one another.

Tommy was a first-class diesel mechanic and truly a master of his craft. If something was broken, he could fix it. He was incredibly resourceful, often finding solutions where others couldn’t, and was known as a natural problem-solver and master negotiator. He loved working on projects and took pride in seeing things through from start to finish.

About 22 years ago, Tommy lost his vision and lived the remainder of his life legally blind. But that never defined him. His mind remained sharp, his spirit steady, and his life full. He continued to experience life with strength, humor, and unwavering faith.

Tommy loved to laugh and had a quick wit about him. If you ever asked how he was feeling, he’d often respond with, “with my hands”—and that’s how you knew he was doing just fine and in good spirits.

He loved fishing and being out on the lake, where he found peace. He also had a deep love for music. Tommy was an incredible bass player, enjoyed playing the harmonica, and loved singing old worship hymns—moments that brought joy and comfort to those around him.

If you ever spoke with Tommy on the phone, you knew how he ended every conversation—“love you, bye”—and occasionally, with a “Siri, cancel the call.” It was a simple reflection of who he was: full of love, humor, and connection and wit.

In his later years, Tommy and Teena made their home in Lorena, Texas, where they focused on family and their church life. During this time, Tommy grew even deeper in his relationship with the Lord, and his life became a reflection of redemption, grace, and enduring faith.

In his final days, Tommy was surrounded by the love of his family, with many meaningful moments shared together. While his passing came quietly, the time spent with him leading up to it is something his family will always hold close.

Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Teena Jane Bates; his daughter, Shelley Ashley and husband Tim Ashley; Jeanne Kelley and husband Nathan Kelley; and Jimmy Spiher and wife Stephanie Spiher.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lindsey Wachsmann and husband Scott Wachsmann, Jarred Ashley and wife Halley Ashley, Gage Ashley; Kaitlyn Arsuaga and husband Tony, Kaycee Kelley, Justin Flinn and wife Kristal Flinn, Thomas Spiher, Spencer Spiher, Brianna Spiher, and Ian Spiher.

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Kinsley Wachsmann, Luke Wachsmann, Parker Ashley, Raelynn Ashley, along with extended great-grandchildren.

Tommy is also survived by his sisters, Mary Ann Moore and husband George, and Linda Mahan; and his brother, David Meryl Bates, along with many friends, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Raymond Bates and Mary Margaret Bates; his son, Timothy Bates; his daughter, Tammy Jo Brooker; and his brothers, Johnny Ray Bates, Billy Joe Bates, Doyle Lee Bates, and Donny Lee Bates.

Tommy will be remembered for his strength, his sharp mind, his resourcefulness, his humor, and most of all, his deep faith and love for his family.