Mr. Robert Lee Bates

Mr. Robert Lee "NuNu" Bates, 80, of 214 South Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia, entered through the Heavenly Gates with our Lord and Savior on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Bon Secours - Southside Medical Center, Petersburg, Virginia. Robert (NuNU) was born October 29, 1940 in Petersburg, VA to the late Nathaniel Ross and Beatrice Bates. He was the youngest of three siblings. NuNu attended Petersburg Public Schools and resided in Petersburg for most of his life. NuNu confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and he was baptized at an early age. Known as a loyal, trustworthy, and diligent worker, he retired from the City of Petersburg and Walmart in Chester, VA. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Everyone cherished being in NuNu's company. He loved watching sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his free time, he enjoyed cooking for his family. He was a genuine, big hearted person who was loved by so many. NuNu's presence could light up any room. He was truly a light in our lives. He was the person that everyone was happy to see. We are saddened that he is no longer with us physically, but we rejoice knowing that he can rest eternally in Heaven. He will be missed dearly and remembered always. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn I. "Cookie" Bates; brother, Nathaniel Ross "Bubba" Bates, Sr.; two sisters, Beatrice "Boobie" Jackson (Leland) and Charmaine Ruffin; son, Ronald D. Bates and great-granddaughter, Dream Hodges. He leaves his legacy and memories behind to his devoted son, Robert Dereke Bates (Sophia); three brothers, Kenny Ruffin (Johnette), Bobby Ruffin and Keith Ruffin; two sisters, Sheila Ruffin, and Barbara Ruffin; one aunt, Naomi Bates; four sisters-in-law, Mary Maddox Bates, Gladys Saunders, Pearline Davis Garrick and Linda Mack; ten grandchildren, Denitra Reed, Tiffany Dodson (Nyesha), Ronald Bates, Albany Bates, Keshia McCoy, Dereke Bates, Eboni Winfield, LaToya Bates, Briana Bates and Tyrese Wiley; seventeen great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; his truly devoted friends, William Moore, Jr., James Crawford, John Hallman, Ralph Ruffin and Stefan Mayfield. A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Tucker & Fisher Celebration of Life Chapel, 415 Halifax St., Petersburg, VA with Rev. Alexander Williams, Pastor of Big Bethel Baptist Church, McKenney, VA officiating. Interment will follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery, Petersburg, VA. The service will be live streamed. Public viewing will be Friday, April 30, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. A facial covering along with social distancing will be required while attending all services and viewings.

Mr. Robert Lee Bates

October 29, 1940 - April 23, 2021