Groveland, Ma. William Miller Bates, 86, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

He was born in Northampton, Ma. on April 24, 1936, the only child to the late Donald H. and Florence L. (Miller) Bates.

William (Bill) grew up in Amherst and was a 1954 graduate of Amherst High School. He was married to Nancy A. Rule in 1964 and they continued to live in the Amherst and Hadley area until relocating to the eastern part of Massachusetts. Prior to moving to Groveland, they lived 3 years in So. Weymouth, Ma. and 12 years in The Pinehills of Plymouth, Ma. After relocating to Plymouth Bill found he was a descendant of some of the original Mayflower passengers John Billington, Edward Doty and Stephen Hopkins.

William retired from the University of Massachusetts in 1996 after almost 40 years of service. Throughout those years he worked for the: Electrical Engineering Dept., Audio Visual/Media Center, and for the last 20 years in the Physics Dept. He received a Chancellor’s Citation Award in 1987. Following retirement, he kept busy being a home handyman, and a good neighbor.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy A. Bates; his sister-in-laws: Barbara A. Rule of So. Hadley and Nancy A. Rule of Belchertown; a niece Joanne L. Wheeler of So. Hadley; a nephew Darryl L. Rule of Ballston Spa, NY.; as well many grand nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Honoring William’s wishes there are no calling hours. A private burial of his ashes will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.

Contributions in his memory can be made to: Rattlesnake Gutter Trust, P.O. Box 195, Leverett, Ma. 01054, or Nichols Village Residents Association, 1 Nichols Way, Groveland, Ma. 01834

Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com