Obituary for Mr. Kameron Eugene Bates
March 7, 1945 – August 6, 2025

Mr. Kameron Eugene Bates, age 80, of Hilham, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, August 6, 2025, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.

Born on March 7, 1945, in Jamestown, New York, Kameron was the son of the late Robert Eugene Bates and Mary LorettaThompson Bates. A proud 1963 graduate of Livingston Academy, Kameron answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1964. He served honorably as an electrical nuclear engineer aboard the USS Benjamin Franklin submarine. Among his many accomplishments during his naval service, Kameron was especially proud of his role in helping to map the world’s oceans—a contribution that spoke to both his technical skill and spirit of adventure.

Following his military retirement in 1984, Kameron returned to Overton County, Tennessee, with his beloved family, where he continued his commitment to public service as a Deputy with the Overton County Sheriff's Department. He remained dedicated to his community for many years and even pursued elected office in the early 2000s.

In retirement, Kameron found great joy in the quiet life on his farm. He loved reading, enjoying the peace of the countryside, and spending time with his family and his faithful canine companion, "Duke."

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Kameron was also a proud Mason and a member of Livingston Lodge #259.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia Ann Shields  Bates of Hilham, TN; his son, Harold Eugene Bates and wife Karla of Shelley, Idaho; daughters, Mary Sells of Hilham, TN, and Amber Poston and husband Cody of Hilham, TN; grandchildren, Ezra, Spencer, and Landry Poston, Robbie Sells, Tara, Matthew, and Jonathan Bates; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Zoey Bates, Lacey and Conner Sells; his brother, Kyle Bates of Jackson County, TN; sister, Karen Costa of Jackson County, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Kameron was preceded in death by his son, Robert Joel Bates; stepmother, Arlene Bates; and nephew, Duane McAllister.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, from the chapel of Speck Funeral Home, with Bro. Jason Bryant officiating. Burial will follow in Overton County Memorial Gardens, with Military Honors provided at graveside by the Overton County Veterans Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 10, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Speck Funeral Home. A Masonic Service will be held at 7 p.m., conducted by Livingston Lodge #259.

Speck Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Kameron Eugene Bates.