Ralph W. Bates, 90, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012, in Port Charlotte.

He was born June 22, 1922, in Decatur, Ill.

Ralph moved to this area 25 years ago, from Minerva, Ohio. He worked as a high school teacher for “at-risk” students in Nebraska and Minerva, and was a veteran of World War II serving 20 years, in the U.S. Air Force. Ralph was a member of First Baptist Church in Port Charlotte. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Ruby Bates of Port Charlotte; brother, Parker Bates of Houston, Texas; seven nieces; five nephews; and numerous friends and family. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Dewayne, Ted, and Lawrence; two nephews; and a niece.

Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, at Paul Schelm Funeral Home, 12687 S.W. Co. Rd. 769 (Kings Highway) in Lake Suzy, Fla., and from 10 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, at First Baptist Church, 20035 Quesada Ave. in Port Charlotte. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial with full military honors will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Fla. Reception will follow burial. Please visit Ralph’s tribute wall at www.schelmfh.com to share memories, and to send condolences to the Bates family.

Arrangements are by Paul Schelm Funeral Home in Lake Suzy.