Christian L. Bates

Christian Lei Bates was born on June 1, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to Belita Alice Bates and Burley Bruce “Sonny” Ashford Jr. A lifelong resident of Akron, Christian was educated in the Akron Public Schools system. He graduated from East High School in 2002, and he pursued higher education. From a young age, Christian was active in sports and community life. He participated in several organized sports, and he particularly loved basketball. He played basketball from 7th grade throughout adulthood.

In 2002, Christian met the love of his life, Brittany R. Brown. They married on May 3, 2014, and from their love, London Rosay and Leila Christine were born. Christian loved his daughters and took great joy in providing for them, supporting them and ensuring they had diverse educational, social, and travel experiences. He was passionate about them being well educated, well rounded, ambitious young ladies. Christian enjoyed being out and about, and his daughters were always by his side.

In 2013, he and an acquaintance founded Students With a Goal (SWAG), an organization that focused on mentoring and supporting the youth. His work reflected his passion for helping others and investing in the community. Christian was deeply involved in social and community organizations, and he held seats on many organizational boards. His life was rooted in service, mentorship, and uplifting those around him.

Like his grandmother before him, he cherished his family and worked to build strong, lasting bonds, and rich relationships. He was a major presence at family gatherings and maintained close connections with relatives across the country.

Christian passed away suddenly on December 31, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, Burley Bruce “Sonny” Ashford Jr.; maternal grandmother, Christine Alberta Bates; paternal grandmother, Katherine Epps-Fuller; maternal grandfather, Benjamin Kimbrough; paternal grandfather, Burley Bruce Ashford Sr.; and Aunt, Jennifer Armstrong.

Christian leaves behind to cherish his loving memory his wife of 13 years, Brittany R. Bates; his daughters, London Rosay Bates and Leila Christine Bates of Houston, Texas; mother, Belita Alice Bates; Uncle Shawn Bates of Akron, OH; Aunt Cynthia (Neal) Toosoon of Cincinnati, OH; cousins, D’Andre Thomas, Shawn Bates, Desmond Bates, and Devin Bates, all of Akron, Ohio; special nephew, Kevin Dycks, of Akron, OH; God parents, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Christian, the SNEAKER KING, will be remembered for his dedication to family, commitment to community, and the positive impact he made on the lives of many.