Fred Thomas Bates Jr., 65. Was born in Wichita, Ks. on March16th 1950. He attended North High School, and went into the Army after graduating where he spent several years in Ft. Lewis Washington. He moved back home in 1978 where he was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He was baptized, and turned his life towards the Lord. He loved his music, basketball, baseball, and body building where he placed 6th in the nation. He retired from Federal Express after 21 years. He is survived by his two sons Travis Lee Bates, and Teveere Royce Bates. His brother Galen Lee Bates. Two grandsons Chavis Lee Bates, Christian Lee Bates all from Wichita, Ks. His aunt and uncle Andrew and Geraldine Byrd from Wichita, Ks. aunt and uncle Larry and Gwendelon Boswell from Stafford Va. And uncle Max Boswell from Milwaukee, WI. and cousin Sharon Ingram from Wichita, Ks. With many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Erma Bates, and Sister Sandra Kay Bates. Services will be held at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 1002 N Ohio, at 1:00 pm on Friday January 29th 2016 with burial to follow at White Chapel.