Ernest Lee Bates Sr. was born on December 18, 1942 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to the parentage of the late Hazel Lee Bates (Miller) and Willie Bates. Ernest was one of two children born to this union. Ernest attended Bethany Baptist Church in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Growing up in the Birthplace of Blues, Ernest loved to listen to music. He also grew to love fishing and having an exhilarated social life.

Ernest started his education attending Vicksburg City Schools in Mississippi. His family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1956 in which he remained for the duration of his education, graduating from East Technical High School in 1960. While attending East Technical High School he grew to love running track but attending school on East 55th in the 1950’s he quickly realized he couldn’t run as fast as he thought he could. Which in turn gave him his zeal for construction entrepreneurship.

Ernest’s brother-in-law Casey introduced him to construction shortly after he graduated from high school. Ernest quickly attained the skill of construction then mastered casting concrete. Which landed Ernest a lucrative position with Tony Apollo Construction Company in Bedford, OH. After which Ernest built a reputation for being one of the most sought-after concrete casters in the state of Ohio. Ernest was well known throughout the construction community and continued his craft until his retirement.

Ernest met Charlina Searcy in 1959, they were married and to this union were born five children. Around 1978, Ernest and his significant other Renee Strickland had one child and he raised three other children. Ernest later married Venetta Bennett in which he raised two children as his own. Ernest met Yvonne Andrews in the late 1980’s and had one child. Ernest married Sharon Jones in 1995, their marriage created abundant love and unforgettable memories until her passing in 2013.

Ernest Lee Bates Sr. transitioned peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Ernest Lee Bates leaves behind to cherish his legacy; His only sibling Hazel Gaines, nine (9) children, Arlene (Steve) Thomas, Lloyd (Laura) Bates, Ernest (Flendora) Bates Jr., Kenneth Bates, Michelle Robinson, Chris (Renee) Bennett, Pete Bennett, Aaron Strickland & Trenita (Albon) Hale. Twenty-four (24) grandchildren, Thirty-one (31) great-grandchildren & one (1) great-great grandchildren and a host of cousins, family and friends.