Tommy Malone Bates
November 25, 1936 ~ January 3, 2019
Bates, Tommy M.
(age 82)
Of Fairfax Station, VA died on January 3, 2019. Beloved husband of Sandra N. Bates for 48 years; brother of Jerry C. Bates (Loretta) and Beverly B. Morrison and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his special friends, Bama Lee, Belle Starr and Buttercup. Mr. Bates worked for the federal government for over 30 years, serving with several agencies, including the Department of Energy and the General Services Administration. Memorial services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1545 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA on Friday, January 11 at 11 AM. Inurnment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences and fond memories may be offered to the family at: www.moneyandking.com
(age 82)
Of Fairfax Station, VA died on January 3, 2019. Beloved husband of Sandra N. Bates for 48 years; brother of Jerry C. Bates (Loretta) and Beverly B. Morrison and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his special friends, Bama Lee, Belle Starr and Buttercup. Mr. Bates worked for the federal government for over 30 years, serving with several agencies, including the Department of Energy and the General Services Administration. Memorial services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1545 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA on Friday, January 11 at 11 AM. Inurnment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences and fond memories may be offered to the family at: www.moneyandking.com
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Tom (Tommy to so many) was a true friend to all who had the joy to know him. He truly knew the importance of humor in life and no matter the situation—he could make you smile. As he rests now in comfort awaiting our reunions—we can still remember the warmth of his smiles. A great public servant, friend and most especially husband to Sandy. -Tommy See you on the other side—Ron Logerwell
Marge Rothenberg
Tom was a wonderful husband and friend! And a great advisor on all my auto and house projects!
Always helpful, always smiling,! And married to my dear friend Sandy, my friend since we were “knee -biters”. He always warned folks to watch-out, when we were together!
Tom was what we all aspire to be–a good person that made him a great friend, husband, colleague and confidant. His sense of humor left memories we call up when we’re having a bad day or when we have the luxury of time to reflect. He knew what was important and what was not. His mischievous streak was to be envied. He could bring it out like Cato in the Pink Panther movies. Sandy tells these stories well and knew they were vital to keeping Tom in line when needed. Forty eight years of marriage doesn’t just happen. Two people must enjoy each other, they must compliment each other and they must build memories if a marriage is to last that long. Please regard Betsy and me as travelers on your same journey. Tom’s gone ahead to scout the territory.
Please accept my condolences for your loss. I recall there was always an excitement and uplift in your voice when you spoke of Tom.
While I did not have the pleasure of getting to know Tommy Bates, I am blessed and grateful to know his “other half.” Sandy, just know that I am keeping you (and your family) in my thoughts and prayers. I cannot begin to imagine what you are feeling, but I know that Tommy will be looking down on his bride each and every day. Sending you a BIG hug. Love Ya, Pete (Tseronis).
I only had the pleasure of meeting Tom on one, quasi-serious occasion when we were both behaving, so I only got to experience his personality and sense of humor secondhand, through stories that I heard on less serious occasions from Sandy and others. Through them, I feel like I knew him and know we would have been great friends. I am so sorry to hear of his “moving on”, and while he will be missed, we’re going to have a good time together some day. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sandy, and the rest of his close friends and family.
Don Scott
I worked with Tom for a total of almost 10 years, at GSA, then DOE. I will never forget his help to me when I came from Arizona to my first assignment at GSA in Washington D.C. Tom fielded my questions and helped to set me on the correct path. As other’s have mentioned-Tom had a dry wit which was without peer, and enjoyed by everyone. He will be missed..
I have grown up, learning the meaning of friendship through many relationships, one being that between my father and Tom. They are reunited now, no doubt finding the best trout fishing spot to sit and B.S. while downing a few cold ones. We were blessed to have Tom in our lives. Thank you for the gift of your friendship, that ended up trickling down to the daughter of your departed friend Bill.
Tom and Sandy were fixtures at the Edgewater House in Rehoboth Beach. Tom was such a kind and friendly man who always had a smile and a big hello for everyone. We will so miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sandy. He was not only a good friend to many but a wonderful husband.
Dan and Regina Kegel