Walter Talmadge Bates

Walter Talmadge Bates, 90, died on March 12, 2025. He was a native Floridian born in Orlando. Walt was a hard worker and it lead him to a long and successful career at Lockheed Martin (Martin Marietta), retiring in 1992 after 34 years.

Back in the day, he was an avid Fastpitch Softball fan, player, and managed Hol’ N One Donut, Orlando Miller High Lifers, and Emery Masonry Contractors against Clearwater Bombers and Home Savings Aurora, IL teams in Varner Stadium.

He was married to Frances for 49 years, and is survived by sons Kenneth (Chris), Michael (Erika), James, and grandson Josh.

Also survived by stepchildren Ted Chapman Jr. (Liz), Sandy Weir (Randy); step grandchildren Ryan Weir (Ashley), Becky Chapman, Evan Weir (Nicole), Teddy Chapman III (Tracie) & Kate McReynolds (Jeff); step great-grandchildren James, Sawyer, Emma, Teddy IV, Hayden and Parker; sister Margy Riley, nephew Kevin (Sassy) and niece Colleen Smith (Michael); cousin Beth Metcalfe (Stephen); sister-in-law Ann Sailer, nephew Brian and niece Carrie Hung (Frank).

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 5 to 7 pm at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, 2811 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando. A celebration of life will be held at St. James Cathedral, on March 28, 2025 at 10:00am, Inurnment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery,

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. James Cathedral https://stjamesorlando.org/donations-online-giving-payments/, the Dementia Society of America dementiasociety.org or the charity of your choice in memory of Walt.