Leo C. Bates (62) of Dayton, Ohio passed peacefully surrounded by his family at Hospice of Dayton on 5/30/2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Leo was born in Youngstown, Ohio 11/16/1958 to the late Mary and William Bates of Xenia, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Kelli A. Bates, sister Bonnie Davis, brother William Bates Jr., and granddaughters Kaleona and Maryona Wilson. Leo studied Allopathic Medicine at Wright State University and The Ohio State University after receiving his degree from Wilberforce University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He retired from the Ohio Department of Health where he was a Public Health Consultant for 21 years. Leo had a passion for basketball, dancing, and education which he shared with his family and friends. His pride was his family. Simple things brought joy to Leo and his pleasant personality was contagious to everyone. Leo left to mourn family and friends including grandchildren; Charles Wilson IV, Kelvon Wilson, Si'Leah Wilson, and Kelissa Wilson, sister Mary Simmons (Martin), brothers Larry Davis Sr. and Larry Anderson, former spouse and friend Gertrude Peterson, nieces; Roxanne Dixon, Karen Dixon, Cathy Davis, Kenzie Davis, Krystle Davis, nephews; Brian L. Dixon Sr., Larry Davis Jr., and Keith Davis, along with a host of great nieces and nephews. Leo leaves behind a host of special friends including Alan Ward, Cleopatra Fleming, Cathy Yanda, Melinda Carroll, Robert Martin, Charles Wilson III, Joshua Fraley Sr., Willard Howard Jr., and Robert Harrison Jr. His family will continue to honor his legacy by living life to the fullest. Service for Leo Bates will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at Middle Run Baptist Church 1000 East Church Street, Xenia, Ohio. Visitation will be 11:00 am until time of service which will be 12 noon private service with Reverend Gary Chapman, officiating. Interment will follow at Clifton Cemetery. Social distancing protocol will be observed, and face mask will be required. Repass will be held at the Pavillion of Greene County Fairgrounds, 120 Fairgrounds Rd. Xenia, Oh. Donation may be mailed: Mary Simmons 2080 Sierra Trail, Xenia, Ohio 45385 Arrangements entrusted to Porter-Qualls-Freeman Funeral Home.
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