George "Eric" Bates

George “Eric” Bates, 50, of Chillicothe, died on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Eric was born on December 9, 1966, the son of William R. and Dorris (Collins) Bates in Peoria, Illinois. Eric worked in landscaping for Hoerr Nursery in Peoria, Illinois for eight years. He was a former member of the band Roulette and the current guitarist for Damm Strate. Eric enjoyed woodworking and creating things from scratch. He also enjoyed going to 1800`s themed Rendezvous and he loved kids. Eric was an organ donor for Gift of Hope. He is survived by his father, William Bates and his step-mother, Grace Bates of Dahinda, Illinois; the love of his life, Jessica Jamerson of Chillicothe, Illinois; two step-children, Timothy Jamerson and Skylar Jamerson of Chillicothe, Illinois; two sisters, Penny Grace (Byron) Devers of Galesburg, Illinois Gina (Dennis) Bantz of Williamsfield, Illinois; one brother, Michael Anthony Bates of Hazelgreen, Alabama and several nieces and nephews. Eric was preceded in death by his mother, Dorris (Collins) Bates; brothers, Patrick Allen Bates and Matthew Slade Bates and one sister, Lee Ann Bates. Cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home in Knoxville, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the family. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home and Crematory in Knoxville are in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be made at http://www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of George "Eric" Bates please visit our Sympathy Store.