Willie Bates native of Marion resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away Oct. 26, 2016, at St. Anthony Hospital. Memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Melvin Miller Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Erwin Williams officiating. Please visit www.melvinmillerfuneralservice.com to make online flower orders and condolences to the family.