Randall "Randy" D. Bates SrZANESVILLE: Randall "Randy" D. Bates Sr., 63 of Zanesville went to be with his Lord at 4:36 AM Monday, April 04, 2016 at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer.He was born on May 12, 1952 in Zanesville, Ohio the son of Richard R. Bates and Vera L. Tracey Bates.Randy was a member of the Zanesville First Church of God, an Army Veteran and Probation Officer for Muskingum County Juvenile Center with 30 years of service. He was a substitute teacher for East Muskingum Schools, and a member of the Amvets. Randy dearly loved his family and was so proud of his grandchildren. He loved to watch them at all of their sports events and piano recitals. He found peace and happiness in taking care of the lawn and working around the house and also loved to go to bluegrass concerts. Randy recently accepted Christ into his life and found peace within his spirit at the time of his passing. The family rejoices in knowing that he is now home with his Lord. Randy will be dearly missed by his family and all that knew him. Randy would say..."Weep not that I have died, but rejoice that I lived". He is survived by his wife or 44 years, Linda C. (Sowers) Bates whom he married July 17, 1971; three children, Randall "Randy" D. (Kelly) Bates Jr. of Marion, Christina L. (Mark Herd) Mercer of Newark, and Traci K. (William) Ehrick of Zanesville; 8 Grandchildren, Laney Bates, John "J.R." Randall Bates, Clay Mercer, Caden Mercer, Camryn Mercer, Canon Mercer, Gracie Faye Ehrick, and Sandler Ehrick; two sisters, Sheila (Virgil) Pyle of Norwich and Kay Baker of Zanesville; a brother Richard (Lorraine) Bates of Zanesville. Randy was preceded in death in addition to his parents, by a sister, Nancy Brosie and an infant sister Susie.Friends may call 2 to 4 pm & 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday, April 06, 2016 at the Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, April 07, 2016 at the Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Bennett and Ron Nichols officiating. Burial with Military Honors will conclude at the St. Paul Cemetery, Sonora Ohio.Memorial contributions can be made to the .The Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville is in charge of the arrangements. To share memories and condolences with Randy's family please visit www.BryanHardwickFuneralHome.com.