GUS TOM BATES III

Fort Worth, Texas - Gus Bates passed away peacefully Sunday evening, August 4th, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. He was 81.

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Gus was a beacon of community spirit and leadership. A proud graduate of Paschal High School, class of 1961, Gus excelled as both a football player and Class President. His journey continued at Texas A&M, where he studied pre-med and played baseball, before graduating from TCU in 1966.

It was at TCU that he met the love of his life, Sheryl Stewart. They married on December 18th, 1965, and built a beautiful family with their two cherished children, Gus Stewart Bates and Allana “Cherie” Bates Robinson.

Shortly after graduation, Gus embarked on a successful insurance career with John Hancock. His dedication and hard work quickly established him as one of John Hancock’s top agents. As a result of his success with John Hancock, Gus founded The Gus Bates Company with his son, Gus Stewart. The company thrived, growing to over 60 employees and earning the title of Best Small Company in Fort Worth for two consecutive years.

Gus was passionate about sports, playing football at Paschal High and baseball at Texas A&M. His love for the game continued with many years of flag football, culminating in his induction into the Texas Flag Football Hall of Fame in 1984. More than a player, Gus was a dedicated coach, mentoring children in football, baseball, and basketball for over 30 years. Known affectionately as “Pops” and “Coach,” he inspired countless young athletes with his commitment to teamwork and sportsmanship.

A pillar of the Fort Worth community, Gus generously volunteered his time to numerous organizations. He served as a Board Member for the Epilepsy Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, Cancer Society, and as President of the Youth Sports Council, which serves over eight thousand children. As Chairman of the Board for the Fort Worth Easter Seals Center, Gus played a pivotal role in merging the Dallas and Fort Worth offices, enhancing services for special needs children in North Texas. He and his son also helped establish The Gus Bates Center at Paschal High School, ensuring top-notch facilities for future athletes.

Gus was renowned for his wisdom and wit, often sharing his life philosophies through his “Gus-isms.” Phrases like “Give, Give and Get,” “You can’t hit the ball with the bat on your shoulder,” “Leave everything in life better than you found it” and “Don’t tell me how much you know, show me how much you care” encapsulated his approach to life and endeared him to all who knew him.

Gus was preceded in death by his father, Gus Bates Jr., his mother, Tommye Johnson Bates, and his daughter, Allana “Cherie” Bates Robinson. 

In addition to his devoted wife, Sheryl, who lovingly cared for him during his illness, Gus is survived by his son, Gus Stewart Bates and his wife, Sarah; grandchildren, Kali Purselley, Chloe Robinson Hodges and husband Rylan, Cassidy Bates Duwe and her husband, Gibson, and Cooper Bates; great-grandson, Aries Gus Chrzanowski; sisters, Peggy Lewis and her husband Gary, and Candi Proctor and her husband, Ronnie; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his beloved caregivers, Rico Ferrell and Debra Norris.

A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 am Friday, August 9, in the Sanctuary at Christ Chapel Bible Church, 3701 Birchman Avenue, officiated by Rev. Dr. Ted Kitchens. A reception will follow the service at the Legends Club at TCU. He will be laid to rest privately with his parents in Greenwood Memorial Park.

Bearers for the service are Drew Proctor, Dustin Proctor, Shane Proctor, Gary Joe Lewis, Bud Durden, Paul Knuckley, Paul S. Faidley Jr., Albert Archer, John Young, Mike Frederick, Odie Dollins, Ronnie Simpson, James Ford and Bobby Sanders and Honorary Bearer, Josh Hoover.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests expressions of sympathy be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or to the All Church Home.