Roy Lee “Dickie” Bates, 86 of Winchester, went home to Heaven on July 4th, 2019.

For this combat wounded Marine, there could not have been a more fitting day for him to take his final journey to freedom than on Independence Day. He was born on September 4, 1932 in Winchester, to the late Ben and Bertha Bates. 

He was the husband of the late Betty Myers Bates for 60 years. He is survived by two daughters, Charlene, beloved wife of the late Paul Hollingsworth, and Linda, wife of the late Wade Zack. One son, Eddie Bates. He was preceded in death by his son Johnny Bates. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Betty Banks of Stanton. Preceding him in death, two brothers, Ben Bates Jr. And Rev. James Bates, one sister, Ada Marie (Pat) Rice. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. 

Roy was honored to serve his country as a Marine. In early 1950, this Kentucky boy found himself on a ship headed for combat zones in Korea. On September 1, 1950, just 3 days before his 19th birthday, while on patrol there was an ambush and his group began taking heavy fire. As he began crawling on his belly, he heard the dreaded click of a land mine beneath him. Before losing consciousness, he realized that his left leg had been blown away. The Marines leave no man behind. One of them was killed in combat just a few days later. A highlight in Roy’s life and for his family, many years later, was getting to meet and to thank the other Marine for saving his life that day. 

Visitation will be at the Scobee Funeral Home from 5-8 PM on Sunday, July 7, 2019. Funeral service will be held at the Liberty Bible Church of God located at 6615 Veteran’s Memorial Parkway in Winchester at 11 AM on Monday, July 8, 2019. A Visitation will be held one hour prior.

Our Mayor Ed Burtner will give remarks as will our US Congressman Andy Barr. Pastor Bill Konstantopous will give the eulogy.

There will be full military honors at the close of the service. Roy will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Betty, at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.