George A. Bates

George Ambrose Bates was born on May 29, 1930 to the parents of Weber and Jessie Armstrong Bates in Gregg County, TX.

He attended the Elderville Community Schools and graduated from Ned E. Williams High School. After graduation he attended Texas Southern University in Houston TX, and earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology. He later received a Masters in Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.

George started teaching at Ned E. Williams School, Mary C. Womack High School and later Longview High School where he taught biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics for 35 years.

After recognizing the need for financial advancement for all people, he immediately began his association with the ground roots of establishing a credit union. He learned the necessary skills required to maintain a successful credit union and in 1978 obtained the position of Director after Mr. J.P. Allen stepped down. He continued to work at the Teachers Alliance Federal Credit Union for a total of 41 years until recently retiring in April of this year.

George was a faithful and dedicated member of Post Oak C.M.E. Church for many years and was the Sunday School Superintendent for more than 50 years. He spent 73 years of his life giving to and educating the African American Community in the classroom, church and credit union.

He married the love of his life Bobbie Jean Liner in June 1956 and had 3 daughters: Renita, Bridget and Patricia.

He was a dedicated husband and father to his family for over 63 years before his demise.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, Webster, Raymond, Curtis, John D. and J.W. Bates, sister Lurlean Bates Tatum and 2 daughters, Renita and Bridget Bates.

He leaves behind his wife Bobbie Jean Bates, daughter, Patricia Richardson and son-in-law Carwyn Richardson, brother Harvey Bates and sister-in-law Rosetta Bates, sisters-in-law Milvie Bates, Addie Bates, Hazel Bates and Lena Bates Sanders; 7 grandchildren, Derek Bates, George Borders, Kimberly Bates, Ryan Matthews, Kennian Moss, Kenneth Moss, Jr., KeAmbria Moss; great grandson, Zaelen Matthews and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

George Bates was a great man who was generous, loving and kind. He loved life and he loved his family. He will be truly missed.

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