William "Bill" C. Bates

William "Bill" C. Bates, 92, of Hot Springs passed away Wednesday, Jan.21, 2015. Bill was born July 23, 1922 in Little Rock, Ark. to Maebelle (Bumpass) and William Bates. Bill was a kind, honest and gentle man. He loved the horse races; they were one of his true passions. Bill also loved living on the lake with his five cats. He was a very proud man and remained independent well into his nineties. Bill is predeceased by his parents and his wife, Audrey June Bates. Bill is survived by his daughters, Candace Flager of Little Rock, Barbara Bates of Bryant and Tommilou Bates of Missouri; brother, Darrell Bates of Ft. Smith; grandchildren, Ashley Almond of Benton and Matthew Almond of Bryant and great-grandchildren, Aimslee Almond and Mason Blasdell. Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015 from 1 until 2 p.m. at Atkinson Chapel. Services will immediately follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Crestview Cemetery in Hot Springs. Arrangements entrusted to Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, Ark. Guests may register at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net.