Richard Bates

J. Richard Bates was born December 21, 1956 to the union of Bertha Mae Morton Bates and Howard Bates. But it was Earsie Mae Coleman Morton and Vaughn (Bubba) Morton, his grandparents, that raised him from the age of 8 and were affectionately called Mom and Pops. He was baptized at a young age by Rev. H.N. Carter of First Baptist Church. He transitioned on February 5, 2023.

He received his education through Courter Tech High School (Class of 1975), officially the last class to graduate before becoming Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. He attended the University of Cincinnati, College of Business.

While attending college he also worked at the Celotex Corporation. His business skills were then placed in various occupations: managing his dental practice, working as a loan officer at Reliance Mortgage Corporation and then Union Savings Bank upon his retirement.

Richard was united in marriage to Dr. Carolyn Leah Cousins on September 12, 1981. They had one child, Brittany.

He had impeccable taste in clothing and was well known for his attire. He was definitely a superb dancer with a personality and smile that would draw people to him. He enjoyed music, painting and visits to the art museum with our daughter.

He served the children, particularly Ms. Turnbows' 1st grade class, of Taft Elementary School in the capacity as a mentor for 10 years through Junior Achievement. One of the founder members of the Gentrys, worked with Cincinnati Black Ambassadors, Black Family Reunion Celebrations, The Ohio Classic and Ujima Cinci-brations. But it was his love for children that drove his passion to create the non profit MY KIDZ. Its mission is to serve the children experiencing homelessness in the Cincinnati Public School System. Over 4,000 children are in this situation. The vision began in 2013, we received our non profit 501(c)(3) status in 2020. Since its conception over 5,100 families have been served through Thanksgiving Dinners, Back to School Drives, school and summer camp lunches, and our Annual Toy Drive. The 10th Annual Toy Drive in 2022 @Sugar Loft Events 2 provided over 4,000 items for the children.

His loving memory will continue with his wife Dr. Carolyn Cousins-Bates, daughter Brittany JaLeah Bates-Zabad (Zidkijah), brother James Bates (Eugenia), brother in Christ Janks Morton, Jr (Ava), nephew W. Charles Randolph. And a host of aunts, uncles, nieces/nephews, cousins, family and friends.

While flowers are welcome, we want to continue Richards' compassion for our children. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations to MY KIDZ can be directed to https://mykidz.today

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