Rod Eric Bates, 61, passed away Tuesday October 12, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Rockford, Illinois in 1960, and has resided in the Rio Grande Valley since 1968. He has one daughter, Amber. He was the owner of Rio Bravo Gallery in Port Isabel where he shared his passions of treasure hunting, antiques, and local history. He was a historian and storyteller with a drive to share his knowledge with those around him - a frequent guest speaker and a prolific author with several local history books and numerous articles. Rod was also an avid metal detectorist who spent countless hours researching and hunting for artifacts from the American Civil War and Mexican-American War. He touched the lives of many people with his wisdom, love and friendship. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Rod is preceded in death by his father: Robert Alfred Bates and brother: Rex Allen Bates. Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughter: daughter, Amber Shintaku, mother: Gloria Bates, granddaughter: Lila Shintaku, nephew: Robert “Bobby” Bates, grand-nephew: Zayden Bates, and numerous cousins. A celebration of life will follow at a later date. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Rod Eric Bates at thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.