Person of the week: Bill Bates

BILL BATES

Q.) Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

A.) I am a pretty laid back guy. I grew up in Lobelville, Tennessee (God's Country) and have lived in Hohenwald for 33 years. I am married to Candi Bates and together we have 7 kids, 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

I have been in the banking business all my life. I enjoy golfing, spending time outdoors, being with my family and love all things sports.

Q.) What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

A.) It's hard to choose one. I enjoyed riding horses with my family friend, Glenn. Playing little league baseball and backyard basketball with my neighborhood friends.

Q.) What did you want to be as a kid? What did you actually become?

A.) My Dad was a banker so, I always knew I wanted to be in banking and work along side him. As it turned out, that's exactly what I did.

Q.) Who was/is your biggest role model?

A.) My Dad, John Will Bates. I was lucky enough to follow in his footsteps of banking. We spent many hours on the golf course together.

Not only was he my Dad, but he was my best friend.

Q.) What are some of your favorite hobbies/ how do you like to spend your free time?

A.) I love playing golf. I also enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family.

Q.) If you could go anywhere, in or out of the states, where would it be? Why?

A.) I would travel out West. I think it is beautiful in so many ways, from the Grand Canyon, to the painted desert, to the lights of the Vegas strip.

Q.) What is "your" song?

A.)I have two. "Keep your hands to yourself" by Georgia Satellites and "Johnny Cash" by Jason Aldean

Q.) What is one of your favorite things about living in Hohenwald?

A.) I appreciate how the community comes together in time of need, big or small. This town has brought me many friends who have shown great support to our business, Bank Of Lewis County.

I love being able to give back to the community of Hohenwald.

Q.) What is your favorite time of year? Why?

A.) I love Summer! It could stay hot year round and I would never complain. It's easier to golf in the summer than when there's snow on the ground.

Q.) What do you enjoy most about your job?

A.) I believe in believing in others. It is rewarding to help out friends, neighbors or even a stranger. My job has lead me to know so many wonderful people.

That is the beauty of small town community banking.

Q.) Do you have a nickname?

A.) In High School. I was given the name Weber. That was from being left handed like Thorpe Weber of Vanderbilt Basketball.

Now, I go by the nickname my grandchildren gave me, "Burr or "Burr-Burr".

Q.) If you could be a TV character for a day who would it be? Why?

A.) Clint Eastwood (Tough Guy)

Q.) Is there any life advice you could give to our readers?

A.) Live and enjoy life.

Stay active. Love all you can. Appreciate one another. It's a fast ride!

Go,Go,Go,Green,Green,Green!