Clarence “Buck” Bates, Jr.

Clarence “Buck” Bates, Jr. age 89, a resident of Volga passed away Saturday June 21, 2025, in the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV surrounded by his loving family. Buck was born February 16, 1936 in Bergoo, WV son of Clarence and Wilma (Tracy) Bates. Buck was united in marriage on February 27, 1960, to Pauline (Streets) Bates.

Buck served in the US Air Force and was an airplane mechanic. He worked as a coal miner in several different mines such as Sago, Badger, and Alpine Coal Mines. Buck’s favorite job was at the WV Wildlife Center taking care of the otters. He liked reading westerns, enjoyed fishing and hunting. Buck loved spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving is his wife Pauline Bates; children Jacqueline Vandevander and husband Delbert, Teresa Shaffer, Annette Lach, Bruce Bates and wife Kirsten; special nephew James David Stemple; grandchildren Alison Eddy and husband Bryan, Ashlee Vandevander, Jessica Dailey and husband Aaron, Jennifer Burkhammer and husband Chris, Rebecca Shaffer, Jeremy Lach and wife Bethany, Luke Lach and wife Amber, Matthew Bates, and Micah Bates; great-grandchildren Marclyn, Tucker and Jocelyn Eddy, and Chance Dailey, Hunter and Skylar Burkhammer, Liam Timberlake, Mallory and Brent Lach, Lillyan, Hope and Madison Lach.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Wilma Bates; sister Barbara Bates, great-granddaughter, Amber Dailey.

Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Monday June 23, from 6-8 pm. A private service and graveside will be held at the convenience of the family.