Hunter Andrew Bates

It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we announce the passing of Hunter Andrew Bates who was tragically taken from us far too soon on August 28, 2025, at the age of 20.

Hunter knew the Lord as his savior. He was a beloved son, brother, boyfriend, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to all that knew him. He was known for his kindness, laughter, and unwavering compassion for others. Born on June 17, 2005 in Richmond, VA he grew up surrounded by love. Hunter carried that love forward into every life he touched. As a young boy he spent many hours at Louisa Health and Rehab and to many of the residents he was their best friend.

Hunter had a deep passion for family, Kaydence, go-karts, cornhole, and video games. He will be remembered most for the love he showed others.

On August 28, 2025 Hunter’s life was cut short by a senseless act of violence that has left our hearts broken. As we come to terms with this unimaginable loss we are reminded of how precious and fragile life is.

Hunter is survived by his father and mother, William “Andy” and Lisa Bates; the love of his life, Kaydence Benoit; a sister, Hannah Bates (Blake Peyton); two brothers, Holden Bates and Aiden Knighten; a nephew, Mason Peyton; his grandparents, Ernest and Dianna Jones, Kathy and Tommy Dickerson, and Terry Bates; great grandfather, Eugene Long; three aunts, Angel “Goo” Dove(Daniel), Regina Queen (Rich), Jessica “CaCa” Gill (Cory); two uncles, Ernest “Buggy” Jones and Rusty Bates; five cousins, Dylan, BreAnna, Isiah, Jaxon, and Braxton; great aunts, Sherl Wilson, Biggi Neudeck, and Carmen Dunlow; great uncles, Charles Long (Caroline), James Fulk, and W.J. Parrott; his second mother and father Candace and Johnnie Williams, many lifelong friends, and a host of other family members, friends, and people whose lives Hunter has touched.

Hunter joins in heaven Great Grandparents, Edward and Dean Dunlow, Doris Long, Sweetie Bates, Martha and Ernest “PawPaw” Jones, Jean Fulk and Chester Fulk; great aunts, Tammie Parrott and Rena Gibbs; great uncles, Robert Fulk, Willie Bates, Edward “Eddie” Dunlow Jr, and Johnny Fulk.

We take comfort in knowing he is at peace with the Lord, but we will forever carry the ache of his absence.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, September 5 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia where the family will receive friends 12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. prior to the service.