HAMPTON — Ryland L. “Lanier” Bates, 64, also known as “Skins,” unexpectedly passed away Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, surrounded by his children at Sentara Careplex, Hampton.
Lanier was born July 14, 1956, in Alleghany County to the late Ryland Delano Bates. Along with his father, he was raised by his late grandmother, Bamma Virginia Masters Bates.
Skins was preceded in death by his sister, Bamma Kay Jeffries, who he loved dearly; and half-brother, Darrell Feury.
He grew up on Snake Run in Alleghany County, but recently relocated to Hampton after the passing of his wife, Shirley Bates (who he could not live with or without), to be with family.
Skins is survived by his children, Tabatha Plymale, Melissa Wellington, and her husband, Mosley, Jason Bates, Marie Antes, and her husband, Matt, and Ryland Plymale; stepchildren, Gabe, Sabrina and Albert Tuono; half-brother David Feury; and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He adored all of his family and extended family. Skins never met a stranger. He loved the mountain life and being in the country. During his life, he raised numerous racoons. Rascal seemed to be his go-to name. Some of his favorite pastime enjoyments were hunting, tending to his garden, farming, putting the pedal to the metal and burning rubber in his GTO, jumping over fences, gates and cars just to name a few, and, of course, drinking beer!
For over 30 years he worked as a Dry-wall Finisher for Pete and Victor. He took much pride in his work and was proud of his accomplishments. Skins was a former member of the Covington Moose Lodge. He was always caring, giving and the life of the party.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, at Covington Moose Lodge, 414 Moose Park Road, Covington.
Share online condolences with the family at Cremation Society of Virginia.
