Coeburn, VA

Cecil Randy Bates
February 11, 1958 – November 30, 2023

Cecil Randy Bates, 65, of Coeburn VA, died with his boots on, Thursday, November 30, 2023, on his farm in Pine Camp, Coeburn, VA.

Born February 11, 1958, he was the son of Harry Jackson Bates and Eva Garnette Couch. Randy was a carpenter, an avid outdoorsman, and a horse whisperer.

Randy Bates, or as he was most affectionately known as simply Poppy, is preceded in death by his mother and father; his beloved Granny, Nora Hill; his partner in crime, Connie Sue Addington; and a special son-in-law, Perry Fuller. He leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Carolyn, or as he preferred to call her, Mama Bear; son, Hunter Bates and wife, Bridgette of Stickleyville, VA; daughter Jessica "Half Pint" Fuller and Jason Charles of Cedar Bluff, VA; daughter Jill "Smurf" Ricketts and husband, Jason of Coeburn, VA; three grandchildren which he adopted as his own, Morgan Maine and husband, Drew, Logan Gray, and Ryder Counts, all of Coeburn, VA; grandchildren Brie Johnson and husband, Shawn, Jaxon Fuller, Chase Fuller, Jordan Gray, Katy Bates, Jake Ricketts, and Kolt Ricketts; his great grandchildren, Auriella and Cooper Johnson; two young ladies he had taken to raise, Kenna Dotson and Piper Penley; siblings, Nette Hale and husband Travis, Tim Couch and wife, Natasha; a host of nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

The family would like to recognize his precious aunt, Woovie Adkins and uncle Hubert Hill and wife, Cleta Faye both of whom were more like a mother and father to him.

He had two close friends, Tommy Hill and Chester Collins, who he and the family held dear.

"A limb has fallen from the family tree that says grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter and songs, the good life I lived while I was strong."

Funeral services will be private.

An online guest book is available at www.estesfuneralhome.com

Estes Funeral Home of Coeburn, VA is honored to be serving the family of Randy Bates.