AUBURN - William J. “Billy” Bates, of Genesee Gardens, Auburn, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, at home, in the company of his family.

A native of Auburn, Billy was a communicant of St. Aloysius Church. He was known as The Golden Voice of Auburn, having sung with several of the local bands. He then moved to the New York City area, where he continued his success as a vocalist, recording on both RCA and MGM labels. He was a graduate of Auburn High School.

The son of the late Florence Bates Bazarnik and Joseph Bates, he is survived by his two brothers, Bobby and his wife, Toni, of Tucson, Ariz. and Buddy and his very special friend of Auburn; two sisters, Mary Kay Buttaro and her husband, Steven, of Auburn, and Judy Wilczek and her husband, William, of Florida; a brother-in-law, Gene Miles of Skaneateles Falls; several nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews; and two exceptional friends, Gus Ronga and Jamie Treanon.

Billy was predeceased by a sister, Nancy Miles; and his stepfather, John Bazarnik.

Services will be conducted by the Rev. Peter DeBellis in the Cheche Funeral Home, Auburn, at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in memory of Billy to the Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Drive, or Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York, 41 York St., Auburn.

The passing of this special individual will leave a void in the hearts of the members of his wonderful family.