Augustus Bates

Mr. Augustus Bates was born on April 27, 1931 to the late Reverend Robert and Ethel Bates in Jefferson County. In a family of ten children, he was the fifth child. He confessed Christ early in life and united with Ruffner Baptist Church. He did God's work through a multitude of charities. Augustus was united in holy matrimony to Catherine Horn. To this union, God blessed them with one daughter, Vanessa Bates Sylvester. Augustus Bates mostly known as Gus was devoted to his family, a loyal friend, a dependable coworker and humanitarian. He was educated in Birmingham Public School System and graduated from Rosedale High School. He soon entered the United States Air Force where he was an airman. After leaving the Air Force, he attended and graduated from Alabama A&M College in Huntsville, Alabama with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. He taught as a substitute teacher in the Jefferson County School System for a year. Later, he started working for the United States Postal Service and retired after 34 years of service. Augustus was always an active and giving person. He was a member of the prestigious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, worked with the local chapter and served on the Scholarship committee. He was a member of Alabama A&M Alumni and served as President for several years of the Jefferson County Alumni Chapter. Augustus was a faithful volunteer for Red Cross, a member of the neighborhood Association and the Maple Avenue Block Club where he served as Treasurer until his health began to fail. After an extended illness, Augustus departed this life April 5, 2010.