Johnny Knox Bates, 74, of Corpus Christi, TX, passed away on June 16, 2025, after a long hard fought 8 week battle in the CVICU.

Johnny was born in Uvalde, TX on May 19, 1951, to H.K. Bates Jr and Thelma Lorraine Roberts Bates and moved to Corpus Christi, Tx in 1965.

In 1972, Johnny married his High School sweetheart and best friend, Dorothy McClellan and they went on to have 3 beautiful children, John, Jessica and Angela, and 7 grandchildren that were the light of his life, Ivan, Lorretta, Bryleigh, Ryker, Sophia, Owen and Gavin.

Johnny was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. Johnny's family meant more to him than anything else in the world.

Johnny had a successful career with AT&T for 36 years. Over the years he picked up many hobbies, some of which were Building Boats and Surfboards, Fishing, Hunting, Golfing, Renovating Classic Cars, and most recently Knife making. Every hobby he picked up he mastered to perfection. The knives he made the last couple of years are some of the most beautiful craftsmanship around. He also loved to travel and he and his wife Dorothy made so many trips and memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, H.K. Bates Jr and Thelma Lorriane Roberts Bates Clark. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bates, his son Johnny Knox Bates Jr and wife, Leslie, of Austin, his daughter Jessica Rodriguez of San Antonio, his daughter Angela Villarreal and husband Rodel, of Corpus Christi, 7 grandchildren, Ivan Bates, Lorretta Bates, Bryleigh Villarreal, Ryker Villarreal, Sophia Rodriguez, Owen Rodriguez and Gavin Rodriguez. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Garza and brother Don Clark.

Anyone who knew Johnny knew that he was the most loving father, husband, and Papa a family could ask for.