William Newton Bates, age 64, of W. Newfield, Maine, passed away on Thursday July 14,2022 at 7:08am after an extended illness with loved ones by his side. He was also known as Bill, Billy, Uncle & Grandpa.

He was born Dec 19,1957 in Gloversville, NY to Newton V. and Shirley M (Smith) Bates. He was a believer of and loved his Jesus Christ. He can be quoted as saying "You must have Faith".

Bill was 12 years of age when the family relocated to Vineland, NJ. He was a graduate of Vineland High School Class of 1975, he loved sports and played football, basketball, and excelled and lettered in baseball. After high school he played on many teams including, but not limited to Rutledge Olds AA, Marshall Services, Bagley's Electric, Poor Peoples Pub Hobo softball teams, as well as traveling teams which included a tryout with the Chicago Cubs. He played ball well into his 40's.

His love for the outdoors was displayed by his passion for the White Mountains of NH and for snowmobiling, fishing, boating, and spending quality time with family & friends, especially on Great East Lake, NH.

His character was bigger than life. Anyone that came across him came to love him and his sincere smile and tendency to look deep into your eyes. There wasn't a thing he wouldn't do to help someone in need. He was a hard worker that wouldn't take a dime he hadn't earned.

Bill started his own general construction company in 2010. He earned a stellar reputation among his clients & employees. His eye for detail was unmatched, thus his business grew servicing NH, ME & Massachusetts.

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy for his son William J Bates companion Mariah McGowen, and his two beautiful granddaughters Sophia Mae Bates & Aria Rose Bates all of Dover, NH. Billy was a very loving, highly respected, joyous Godfearing man.

He was pre-deceased by his grandparents Rev. Raymond J Bates & Myrtle E (Hawkins) Bates of East Greenwich R.I., his parents, Newton Vaughn Bates & Shirley M (Smith) Bates of Vineland, his brother Richard G Bates NC, brother Kenneth G Bates of Chicago IL, and nephew Richard G Bates II (Richie)of Waynesville, NC.

Billy is survived by his loving significant other Louise MacGregor of W. Newfield, ME, his sister Brenda L (Bates) Dyer and her husband William of North Myrtle Beach, SC., brothers Raymond J Bates II and his wife Ellen of Buena, NJ, Donald E Bates and his wife Terry of Hyndman, PA, sister-in-law Pam E Bates of NC, brother John P Bates and his wife Yolanda of Acworth, GA. He also leaves nieces Sharleen N Dyer, Rebecca E Dyer, Shirley M Bates, Ashley N Bates, and nephews William C. Dyer, Raymond C Bates, Donnie E Bates II, Charles Erhart, and Jonathon M. S, Bates. He's also survived by many great nieces and nephews.

Bill would also want us to remember all his New England family, friends, clients and colleagues. Remember him by casting a line or sitting on a rock somewhere on the "Kanc".

You will be sorely missed, Bill Bates, but we'll be looking forward to the day we are reunited in heaven. In his words, "I'll leave the light on for ya".

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Research Children's Hospital, stjude.org

Funeral services for Bill will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM from the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Louis Spyes officiating. Family and friends may gather one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Siloam Cemetery, Vineland.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.wbfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are in the care of Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland.