Luther Welch Bates, lll was known to all as Buddy Bates. Buddy was born in Mexia, TX to Catherine Cooper Bates and Luther Welch Bates, Jr. He passed away on November 27, 2024 in the Tomball Hospital at the age of 82.

Buddy grew up in Mexia, TX. He loved playing football for the Mexia Blackcats #85 and was selected All District Running Back. Buddy graduated from Mexia High School in 1961. He attended Sam Houston State University and transferred to Huron College in North Dakota to play football.

Buddy married Janet Miller February 5, 1966. He was employed by Brown and Root Houston that had a construction contract with the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Buddy was offered an accounting job in Saigon, Vietnam. Fortunately, his wife was offered the same opportunity; their married life began in Saigon, Vietnam.

Eventually, Buddy, his wife and three children settled in Pinehurst, TX.

In 2000, he and his son opened a technology business, Bates and Associates. In 2010, Buddy retired from the family business.

Buddy Bates is survived by his wife Janet, daughters Angela Bates Branzei, Lauri Bates Breeding and husband Jeff, and son Barrett and wife Lindsey; granddaughters, Izabella Branzei, Payton, SaraBeth, Ashley and Samantha Breeding, Addison and Ava Kate Bates.