VIRGINIA BEACH-Alan Ray Bates, 59, passed away August 19, 2015. Alan was born in Baltimore, MD to the late, Ronald C. Bates and Mrs. Mary Alice Essex. Alan was a loving son, brother, father and grandfather. His pride and joy were his boys. He served his country in the United States Navy, was a Certified Public Accountant and was an Enrolled Agent. Alan also loved fishing, skiing and cooking. He was an excellent cook and even managed several restaurants in several states.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Andrew Joseph Bates (Brittany), and Jonathan Alexander Bates (Jessica); his mother, Mary Alice Essex (Gary); grandchildren, Aiden Alan Bates and Aubrey Ann Bates; sisters, Vicki Lewis (Steven), Robin Hanson (Dave), Dawn Brown (Bill) and Wendy Morris (Jerry); close friend, Linda; numerous nieces and nephews and other loving family and friends.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, August 22, 2015 at 11am at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, VA followed by military honors. Please visit his book of memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service if unable to attend and to send words of encouragement to the family.