Ricky Gene Bates, a really great man, wonderful husband, father, papaw, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2022.  Ricky worked for Rockford Manufacturing for over 20 years.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lorene Bates; and brother, Everette "Danny" Bates.  Survived by his wife of 40 years, Edwina Bates; daughter, Tosha Bates; granddaughters, ZaKeira and ZaKyah; sister, Hester Brewer; brother-in-law, Hubert Myers; mother-in-law, Thula Myers; Jeffery Cummings; lots of nieces, nephews and good friends; dog, Bella; and pet duck, Toast aka Ducky.  Memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM Monday, November 28, 2022 at Clark's Grove Presbyterian Church.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday at Clark's Grove Presbyterian Church.