Granvil Bates

Granvil David Bates, Sr., age 87, passed away on August 31, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Born on March 1, 1938, in Pryor, Oklahoma, Granvil lived a full and vibrant life marked by hard work, deep faith, and a spirited personality that left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Raised in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Granvil graduated from Locust Grove High School in the Class of 1956. He proudly served as the school's first football captain and was honored as Homecoming King-a testament to his leadership and charisma even in his youth. His early years were filled with adventure and grit; he worked in garages, oil fields, and potash mines. He also drove a milk truck and was a ranch hand on Stewart Ranch in KS before finding his lifelong calling as an ironworker.

In 1966, Granvil joined Iron Workers Local 584 and remained a dedicated member for an extraordinary 59 years until his passing. Among his fellow tradesmen, he earned the nickname "One Man Gang," a reflection of his unmatchaed work ethic and strength on the job site.

Granvil's life was rich with passion both on and off the clock. In his younger days, he enjoyed football, hunting, fishing, rodeo bronc riding, steer wrestling, noodling for catfish, and training racehorses-pursuits that showcased his fearless nature and love for the outdoors. As time went on, he found joy in simpler pleasures: spending time with family, attending church services at Mt. Zion Gneral Baptist Church in Teresita (where he was baptized on July 8 and became a member on September 9 of 2001). He also enjoyed dining out with loved ones, and watching episodes of Gunsmoke.

Granvil had a magnetic personality-quick-witted and always ready with a joke or story. He loved children dearly and had an infectious energy that made him the center of attention wherever he went. He never met a stranger and approached life with boldness and humor. Those who knew him often said he lived many lives in one.

He is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn Sue Bell Bates; his children Granvil Bates Jr. (Teresa Bates), D'Ann Bates Barnes (Ronald Barnes), Teddy Brock Bates, and Jennifer J. Bates (Lesa Godfrey); his brother Jesse James "Pete" Bates; sisters-in-law Cheryl Bates, Helen Bates, Malena Bell Weston; brother-in-law Dennis Weston; eight grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Granvil was preceded in death by his parents Jesse Sanford Bates and Charleen Winningham Bates; brothers Julius Sanford "Sammy" Bates and Paul Douglas "Doug" Bates; grandson Corey Wildur; brothers-in-law Steve Bell; sister-in-law Mary E. Bell; nephews Nolan Bates, Brian Bates, and Brian Anderson.

The Family will be holding a private celebration of life.

Granvil David Bates Sr.'s legacy is one of strength, laughter, devotion to family and faith-and an unshakable zest for life that will continue to inspire all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.