Carroll "Red" Bates

Carroll Dean Bates, best known as “Red”, a loving husband, father, papaw, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2026. He lived his life in service to the Lord, embracing the promise that whosoever believes shall have everlasting life.

Red was born on February 18, 1943, in Englewood, TN to the late J.C. Bates and Mellie Patterson Bates.

One of Red’s greatest joys was spending time in his shop woodworking and welding to create gifts and keepsakes for those he loved. He enjoyed spending time outdoors admiring God’s creation whether it was hunting in the woods, camping with his wife, or mowing the grass. Red loved singing gospel music and sharing the love of Jesus through music and song. His family was the joy of his life.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Field Medic from 1966 - 1968. He later retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 2002. Red was a 62 year devoted member of Masonic Lodge 633 in Englewood, TN. In 1979, he and his lifelong friend, Carl E. Moses, were instrumental in bringing the Hunter Safety Education Program to Englewood where they educated young people for over 50 years. He also assisted and coached in the Englewood Little League Football Program for many years.

Red is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol Bates; his four children, Sharon Wilson and husband Jim, Randall Bates and wife Melissa, Valerie Pickel and husband Paul, and Ashley Womac and husband Aaron; his six grandchildren, Morgan Queen and husband Dakota, Allysyn Bates, Riley Bates, Heath Pickel, Connor Bates, and Ashtyn Bates; his four great-grandchildren, Ronan Daggs, Tavie Queen, Myla Queen, and Karolyn Queen; his brother James Bates and wife Evelyn; his brothers-in-law Ronnie Slack and wife Doris, and Danny Slack; his special furry friend, Addie, and several friends, nieces, and nephews who all loved him so dearly.

Red is now at peace, resting in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the impact of his life continues through the love he shared, his generous heart, and the memories cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will receive friends at Dixon Avenue Baptist Church, 411 Dixon Avenue, Englewood, TN 37329 on Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm with a service to follow, officiated by Rev. Allen Watson. Internment with military honors will be held at Cochran Cemetery, county road 479 Englewood, TN. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery Saturday, July 11, 2026 for the 10:00 AM service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Red’s honor to Wounded Warrior Project or the local McMinn County Humane Society.