Christian L. Bates

Christian Lei Bates was born on June 1, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, to Belitia Alice Bates and Burley Bruce “Sonny” Ashford Jr.. A lifelong resident of Akron, Christian was educated in the Akron Public School system, graduating from East High School in 2002, pursuing higher education. From a young age, Christian was active in sports and community life. 

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 wanted them to be smart, well rounded, ambitious young ladies. Christian enjoyed being out and about, and his daughters were always by his side. 

In 2013, he and another founded Students With a Goal (SWAG), mentoring and supporting the youth. His work reflected his passion for helping others and supporting his community. Christian was deeply involved in social and community organizations, holding a seat 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. He was a major presence at family gatherings and maintained close relationships with relatives across the country. 

Christian passed away suddenly on December 31, 2025. He leaves behind to cherish his loving memories his wife of 13 years, Brittany R. Bates, his daughters, London Rosay Bates and Leila Christine Bates of Houston, Texas; mother Belitia Alice Bates, Uncle Shawn Bates of Akron, OH; Aunt Cynthia (Neal)Toosoon of Cincinnati, OH; cousins, DeAndre, Shawn, Desmond, and Devin all of Akron, Ohio, special nephew Kevin Dycks, of Akron, OH, and a host of God parents, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.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., aunt Jennifer Armstrong.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.