Scott David Bates

The world became a brighter place the day Scott Bates (Scotty) was born on 09/30/57. But sadly we had to say "So long for now" way too soon. The day Jesus called him home was on 05/24/2023. He was 65 years of age.

Scott was a wonderful and beloved husband, brother, uncle, father, grandfather and friend. He met the love of his life, Debby, in 1992 and was married on 10/13/2001, celebrating all together 30 years of happiness.

He graduated from East Lansing High School, class of 1975. He studied business marketing at Davenport University. He attended LCC where he studied Music Publishing, and then studied Music History at MSU.

He worked in several departments throughout the 30 years at Fisher Body. When he retired in 2007, he started a successful computer business and then went on to his most current job working for Dean Transportation. He drove a bus taking special needs children to school. He had a great bond with all the kids he met and who in turn, loved Mr. Scott.

Scotty had many hobbies but mostly loved to metal detect and camping.

He was an avid sports fan whether he was watching or participating, it didn't matter. He was a great golfer and shined in bowling. He also was an above average basketball player bragging about a black eye, given to him from a missed fast pass thrown by Earvin Johnson, later known as (Magic )Johnson. He once tore a calf muscle in a freak incident while watching a Notre Dame and MSU game. He proudly referred to it as his "football injury". He favored MSU college basketball, football and had a long time love for the Detroit Tigers. But his biggest love interest was music.

Scotty was an accomplished musician and a renowned drummer and songwriter. He was a superb musician overall but his love and passion was being a drummer... and what an excellent drummer he was who really knew his music.

Among the many achievements include being inducted into the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame twice. Once in 2014 being honored as a drummer who had performed more than 25 years in the state and had possessed outstanding credentials. Then again when the Brenda Loomis Band was inducted in 2018 for the LifeTime Achievement award. Brenda Loomis Band won first place for Video Producers Choice in 2017 on America's Got Talent in Milwaukee, WI. Another award the Brenda Loomis Band won was at the 2019 International Josie Awards, when they won Group of the Year.

Scotty had so much goodness and the great capacity to bring happiness to others. He will be forever remembered for his great smile, strong faith in the Lord, friendly and outgoing personality, great sense of humor, creativity and wild enthusiasm, compassionate heart and his love and talent for music.

Scott is preceded in death by parents David and Patricia Bates.

He is survived by his loving wife Debby Bates, children Melissa Lavery, (Michael), Kodee Bates, (Fiance Aaron Biller). Grandchildren Jameson (11) and Josie (9) Lavery, Brother Stephen Bates (Dayle), Sisters Susan Covello (Joseph), Sandra Childers (Brian). Brother-in-law's Richard Kemp (Gayle), Steven Mutter (Tracey), Sister-in-law's Janie Sims, Kathy Mercer (Steven), Marlene Jackson (Keith), Natalie Raab (Steven), and many beloved nieces and nephews.

All are welcome for visitation at Gorsline Lansing Chapel on 05/31/2023 from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM.

900 Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912

Celebration of Life will be at the House of Prayer on 06/01/2023 at 11:00 AM.

9974 E. Old M-78 Haslett, MI 48840

In lieu of flowers, donations will be used to honor Scott's favorite causes: St. Jude, ASPCA, Special Olympics.

Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate Scott's life and find comfort in knowing he is in Heaven and with the Lord.