Stephen W. Bates was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Calvin Bates and the late MaryAnn Bates on November 28, 1963. As an adolescent, Stephen attended the Cleveland Metropolitan School District where he developed a love and appreciation for learning. He achieved academic success and obtained his Commercial Driver’s License in 1989. After his journey with semis and dump trucks, Stephen began his journey with the City of Cleveland water department and retired after 23 years.

Stephen was a hardworking man who provided for his family and mentored a lot of young men from the community off the streets. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Stephen; he loved to cook, spend time with his grandkids, and teach them the importance of how to be successful. Stephen was a strong-willed man who never seem to let anything bother him, and always saw the good in people and in any situation.

Stephen departed this life on April 20, 2023. Stephen is survived by his father, Calvin Bates; wife Carolyn Rembert-Bates; siblings Calvin, Regina, Glenis, and Reginald; children Stephen Harris, Stephanie Harris, and Ronald Harris; stepdaughters (late) Kentrina Harris and Lashawna Harris. Stephen leaves behind the light of his life, his Grandchildren: Shamya, Mannie, Ronald Jr, Rondel, Royal, Makenzi, Madisyn, Stephen Jr., Chan’el, and E’Manii. He also leaves behind a host of step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with a host of other loving nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

We all will miss the long conversations, great food, advice, and, most of all, him…..