Keith Ervin Bates

October 25, 1965 - May 29, 2021

Keith E. Bates of Ellicott City, Maryland left peacefully in his sleep and entered the eternal realm on May 29, 2021. Keith, son of the late Clifton E. Bates and Anna L. Bates, was born on October 25, 1965. Keith was educated in Baltimore City public schools and, in 1983, graduated from Northwestern High School. Afterward, he attended Morgan State University. While Keith worked at various companies, he spent the last 16 years at Verizon. He was a dedicated and beloved employee who was determined to show up each day and do his best despite his increasing health challenges. Known for his jokes, storytelling and infectious laugh, Keith was the life of the party, making friends wherever he went. He had many interests, including fast cars, arts & crafts, and cooking. Keith loved sports and was a die-hard Oakland Raiders fan. His lifelong hobby was building model cars that he carefully displayed in a glass case. Raised in a large extended family, whom he loved fiercely, his cousins were his first friends and more like siblings to him. Keith E. Bates leaves to cherish his memories, daughter, Shanina L. Jones; one granddaughter, Skylar L. Jones; mother Anna L. Bates; sister Donna L. Bates; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends