Charles Cruz Bates, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Starkville MS, on February 2, 2023.
“Charly”, as he was known by family and a multitude of life-long friends, grew up in south St. Louis MO. The oldest of three active brothers with a little sister to “protect,” he lived the dashing life of hanging with boyhood friends in the neighborhood, excelling in the Boy Scouts and loving the family camping trips to the Ozarks. Many of his life skills were developed during this time: leadership, story-telling, compassion and survival. He went to St. John Nepomuk school, before attending Subiaco Academy in Arkansas where we was an outstanding athlete in both football and boxing. He returned to St. Louis to St Francis De Sales High School. Charly served with distinction in the US Army in Vietnam and Germany as a scout-dog handler, being honorably discharged in 1970. He attended Forest Park Community College, Mississippi State University, and graduated with a degree in history from Washington University in St. Louis.
Charly, was an educator with a diverse background in teaching experience. In St, Louis, he taught history and social studies at Logos, an alternative high school where he started a program taking students on weekend backpacking trips into the Ozarks, honing the skills he had developed as a kid. Moving to Miami FL in 1989, he had a different educational experience from the intimate Logos, when he taught at Miami Central High, one of the largest and diverse secondary schools in the state. From there he moved to Miami Country Day School in Miami Shores, FL, where he taught in the Upper and Lower schools. It was in the Lower School where found his passion. Known as “Bear,” he pioneered methods of wilderness experiential learning that was based in leadership training, problem solving, teamwork, listening skills, discovery, survival and fun. Beloved by his students, for over 20 years Bear led educational camping and backpacking “treks” into the Ozarks, the Florida Everglades, the American West, Alaska, Canada, and many places in between.
Known as “Papa” to his adoring grandchildren, Charly’s passion for history, politics, sports (MSU Bulldogs, St Louis Cardinals) and the outdoors was only eclipsed by devotion to family. Traveling with Peggy, his wife of 50 years, camping with his children and grandchildren, or visiting with his large extended family were great joys. Open-hearted, gregarious, kind, courageous and friendly, Charly impacted everyone around him. He will remain unforgettable.
Born Nov. 26, 1948 in San Francisco, CA, Charles is survived by his loving wife Margaret “Peggy” Longest Bates; two children, Nathan (Courtney) Bates of Burlington VT and Joshua (Hillary) Bates of Columbus OH; four grandchildren, Truman, Graham, Alice, and Jillian; his father Paul Bates Sr. and sister Barbara of St. Louis MO. He is preceded in death by his mother Estelle Bates, and brothers Edward and Paul Jr.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4th at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Starkville at 2:00 pm, preceded by a visitation at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Casserole Kitchen or the charity of your choice.
