Tommy Bates

Tommy Bates was born February 3, 1944, in Brady, Texas and passed away March 22, 2024. Tommy is proceeded in death by his parents M.Z. (Buck) and Mary (Coffey) Bates; and his brother Kenny Bates.

He is survived by is wife Kathleen Bates of Graham; son Michael Bates, and husband Ryan Flint of Dallas; sister Darla Wilcox of Angleton; brother Jimmy Bates and wife Linda of Mineral Wells; sister Kathy Pippins of Burleson; step-daughter Teresa Donaghey and husband Jack of Ruidoso, NM.

Tommy was a caring son, a good brother, a committed father and loving spouse. He was looked up to by his co-workers at the John R Lindsey Sate Jail in Jacksboro. He was known by all who knew him for his kind demeanor, his quick wit and his infectious smile.

Tommy was distinguished in his professional career as a master machinist that led the team that developed the technology to manufacture the airframe for the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, and produced the bulkhead for the Columbia Space Shuttle. He then founded Bates Machine Shop in Abilene that produced replacement parts for the F16, F14 and B-1 Bomber for General Dynamics.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024, at Oasis of Grace Church, 622 Cherry St. Graham, Texas.

He will be missed by all.