Richard Shaw Bates (a.k.a. Dick) passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, at the age of 82. He was born on September 13, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida and was the son of Mortimer B. Bates, Jr. and Jesse Shaw Bates. He lived in Quincy, Florida most of his life.
Dick attended Quincy High School and was a member of the Class of 1961. He enjoyed keeping up with his classmates through quarterly luncheons and periodic reunions. After graduation he attended Emory at Oxford and then transferred to Chipola College where he earned an AA degree.
Dick then joined the US Navy and served as a Fire Control Technician on the USS Canberra from early 1964 through 1967. He served early in the Vietnam era. His rank was E5 upon his honorable discharge.
After his time in the US Navy, he completed his education at Florida State University where he earned his degree in accounting. He was an owner and manager of apartment complexes in north Florida.
Family was at the heart of Dick's life. He is survived by his wife of fifteen years, Jan Mahaffey Bates and his step-daughter, Ally Anderson. He is an uncle to three nieces and their children. He enjoyed spending time with the many nieces and nephews from Jan’s family. He cherished every moment spent with family; whether celebrating holidays, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the time together.
Beyond his professional and family life, Richard was involved in community service. He volunteered on a committee with the Gadsden Art Center and Museum. His generosity, compassion, and support for the arts touched countless lives. He was a long-time member of the “Quincy Scholars” trivia team at the Fourth Quarter restaurant in Tallahassee, Florida. He rarely missed the weekly trivia contests with his friends. Dick was also very supportive of the Wetumpka Volunteer Fire Department. In years past, he drove a fire truck on calls. Later he supported them through donations.
And of course, Dick loved tinkering with motors. Cars and trucks were his passion. He always owned three at a time, and depending on the mood or the occasion, you never knew which vehicle he’d show up in—his vintage truck, his "city car", Grandad’s car, or something else. He usually had a non-functioning car at the lake too, just waiting for him to fix it up. His love of cars wasn’t just about machines—it was about the joy of tinkering, the pride of ownership, and the freedom of the open road.
Dick’s friends remember him for his love for family and the kindness he showed others. He loved kayaking and found joy in sharing time on the lake. He also enjoyed travelling with his friends. His presence brought comfort and happiness to all who knew him.
He will be lovingly remembered by his family: brother-in-law Tom Woodell; nieces affectionately known as “the muffins”: Blair Woodell (Henry Pogorzelski), Amy Woodell (Sean Donahue), and Sallie Woodell (Carol Wyatt); his grand nieces and nephews (a.k.a. “Little Muffins”): Madeline, Caroline, Max, and Dylan and countless cousins. He also enjoyed spending time with his extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Mortimer B. Bates, III, and his sister Leewood Bates Woodell.
A memorial service celebrating Dick’s life will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Centenary United Methodist Church in Quincy with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Danielle Upton officiating assisted by Charles McClellan Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Gadsden Art Center and Museum (13 N. Madison Street, Quincy, Florida 32351) or Centenary United Methodist Church (206 N. Madison Street, Quincy, Florida 32351) or to a charity of your choice.
Richard Shaw Bates will be deeply missed, but the impact of his life will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will live on in the values he instilled and the memories he created.
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