He accepted Christ early in age, at the Church at Willow Park o March 1, 2009.
He was the youngest of 6 siblings.
He leaves to behind 5 siblings Kenneth Willis, James Bates II, Alonzo Willis, Jasmine Bates and Jalen Bates. His sister in law, Sandra Gutierrez-Bates. His nieces Makayla, Jayleen, Semaj. Nephew Kyeir. His grandmother Velma Hill and Claudette Bates. With a host of uncles, aunts cousins and friends.