Benjamin Clary Bates, MD
Benjamin Clary Bates, MD
February 14, 1920 — January 5, 2018
Benjamin Clary Bates passed from this life peacefully in his sleep at his residence in Temple, Texas, the evening of Jan. 5, 2018. Born Feb. 14, 1920, to Charles Bristo Bates and Kate Clary Bates in Lewisville, Texas, Clary spent his early life in several communities around the Dallas area.
He graduated North Dallas High School in 1937 and was an active alumnus until very recently. He received his BS in Biology from SMU in 1941 and immediately enrolled in medical school at UTMB Galveston. While attending UTMB he married the love of his life, Dorothy Ann Blessing, having met her three years earlier at Munger Place Methodist Church in Dallas.
Upon graduating UTMB, Clary received his commission of Lt. JG Medical Corp, USNR and did his internship at the US Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, starting in 1945. He served as a surgical ward medical officer until December 1947. Clary was trained in urology in Wichita Falls Clinic Hospital under the tutelage of Dr. John R. Reagan and completed his residency in December 1950.
It was Dr. Reagan who convinced Clary to start his practice in Austin. With Dorothy and two young sons, he moved to Austin and began his urological practice at 403 West 18th St. Clary founded Austin Urology Associates in 1964 and practiced medicine with that group until his retirement in 1992. Clary was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, former President of the Texas Urology Society, Life Member of the Travis County Medical Society, and served twice as President of Seton Hospital Medical Staff.
Dorothy and Clary were very active in the Austin community for many years prior to his retirement and their moving to Horseshoe Bay, Texas. Clary served a term as chairman of the board of Tarrytown Methodist Church. He was a charter member of the Headliner’s Club and charter member of Westwood Country Club. At the time of his death, Clary was a member of the Church at Horseshoe Bay.
Clary was very proud to have received his instrument-rating private pilot’s license and took great joy in flying to community hospitals in order to treat patients in the Central Texas area. Clary had a very close circle of friends who traveled, golfed, hunted, fished, and just enjoyed each other’s company for many years. Clary loved playing golf with his three sons on Father’s Day, a tradition that was celebrated every year from 1987 through 2001.
Clary was always available to all he knew in their time of need. He was well described by one of his nurses who said, “He represented a high standard of professionalism, care, and concern for his patients that far exceeded the norm.” Most of all, he loved and cared for his family.
Clary was predeceased by his wife Dorothy; twin brother Charles Bates; and younger brother Daniel Bates. He is survived by his three sons and their wives: Ben and Paula Bates of Ruidoso, Jarrett and Sharon Bates of Horseshoe Bay, and Bruce and Mary Jo Bates of Temple. Also surviving him are his grandchildren: Jeff Bates (Karyn), Shan Bates-Bundick (Jacob), Ryan Bates (Courtney), Grant Bates (Michelle), Andy Bates, Jamie Bates Deady (Marty) and Jacob Bates (Carleigh). He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, Cannon, Clary Bee, Samuel, Caroline, Lucy, Conor, Aurora, Addy, Emma, and Phoebe.
A celebration of Clary’s life was held at the Church of Horseshoe Bay on Thursday, Jan. 11. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Church at Horseshoe Bay, P. O. Box 8295, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657 or to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com.
