William Knight Bates died Friday, October 14, 2011 at the age of 87. Mr. Bates was a Veteran of the United States Army and retired from Uniroyal Tire. William is survived by his wife Fran Bates of 12 years. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Hazel Bates of 33 years. Mr. Bates is also survived by his two sons; Robert (Laurie) Bates, and Keith (Karen) Bates; two grandsons; Ryan and Jason Bates, and his three sisters; Sue (Hoy) Smith, Pat (Roy) Frady, and Charlotte Richards. William is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Verpal and Helen Lee. Visitation will be on Sunday 1:00 pm until time of memorial service at 2:00 pm at O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi (248-348-1800). Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Michigan Chapter, 20300 Civic Center Drive, #100, Southfield, Michigan 48076-4166. (248-557-8277) www.alz.org . or Gleaner Community Food Bank of Metro Detroit, 2131 Beaufait Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207. (313-923-3535) www.gcfb.org .