William "Bill" Allen Bates, 66, passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023 at home in Fort Wayne, IN. Born in Fort Wayne, Bill was a son of the late Judd and Juanita (Stilwell) Hargis. He married Joyce Keener on August 16, 1974. Bill worked for Judd Roofing for over 30 years, retiring in 2005. Bill enjoyed camping, playing cards, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with friends. Surviving are his wife, Joyce Bates; siblings, Carol Spaw, Sandy Roese, Betty Scriver, Bonnie (Jim) Clutter, Joe Hargis, Shirley Moore, Diana Franklin, Cindy Fry, Terry Bates, Tim Hargis, Tom Bates and Maryann (Steve) Weeks; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was also preceded in death by siblings, Maryalice Yeager, Judd Hargis Jr., Jack Hargis, Dave Hargis and Jim Bates. Funeral service 12:00pm, Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Covington Memorial Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors in Covington Memorial Gardens.