Malcolm Edward Bates, 81, of Bluffton SC, passed away on January 4, 2022. He was born on January 8, 1940 in Redcar, England to the late Edward “Ted” and Constance “Connie” Bates. He was a graduate of the University of Leeds in West Yorkshire, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Architectural Engineering. He was an avid soccer player in college and participated in several city leagues throughout the years. His career led to the US, where in Charlotte he started working as a draftsman and later became a business partner in Freeman-White Associates designing and building medical facilities, from which he retired. He was an active member of the American Institute of Architects.
In 1996, he marred Ila Crabtree and in 2000 moved from Charlotte to their retirement home in Bluffton, SC. Where he enjoyed playing tennis, golfing, sailing, entertaining friends new and old, and was always reading a good book or looking for his next antique, muscle or luxury car purchase. He was living up the retirement life and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife Ila of 26 years, step-son Sam Crabtree (Donna) of Mooresville, NC, two grandsons: Benjamin Crabtree of Boone, NC; Christopher Crabtree of Mooresville, NC; two great grandsons Charlie and Tucker Crabtree of Harrisburg, NC.
At a later date the family will have a memorial service with internment at Sharon Memorial Gardens in Charlotte, NC.
Donation can be made to American Diabetes Association or Alzheimer’s Association.
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