Walter Travis Bates, age 90 of Franklin, TN passed away February 17, 2018.
Former owner of Nashville Rubber and Gasket. After retirement, he raised Pinzgauer Cattle and also raised and raced thoroughbred horses.
Preceded in death by wife, Mary Jo Schmitt Bates; parents, Egbert and Lola Seat Bates and sister, Mary Edith Woods. Survived by: son, Arthur Travis Bates; daughter, Janice Bates (Daniel) Toulon; sister, Ruby Lou Cunningham and Frances Gibson; grandchildren, Jennifer Toulon (Dustin) Ragusa and Amanda Paige Toulon; beloved pets, Callie B., Bitsy Higgins and Sugar.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, Father Bala Celebrant. Interment Williamson Memorial Gardens. Active pallbearers, Travis Bates, Daniel Toulon, Don Coomer, James A. McKee Jr., Michael Welch and Dustin Ragusa. Honorary pallbearers will be Wade Bobbitt, Lawrence Barnes, Past and Present Employees of Nashville Rubber and Gasket, Dot and Allen Marlin and Betty Sue Hazelwood.
The family would like to express their appreciation for the love and care provided by the caregivers. Memorials may be made to Alive Hospice, Youthtown of Tennessee or charity of your choice. Visitation will be 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM Thursday at WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com
