Henry Bates, 70, of Ovett, died Sunday, March 7, 2010, at his residence.Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at Ellisville Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Colon Rowell officiating. Burial will be in Ovett Cemetery.He worked in the oilfield for 25 years. He never met a stranger. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, watching his farm animals and gardening.He was preceded in death by his father, Thurmon Bates of Ellisville.Survivors include his wife, Carol Crowder Bates of Ovett (June 15, 2010, would have celebrated 49 years of marriage); daughter, Diane Bates Polson (George) of Ovett and Becky Bates Byrd of Petal; son, Jimmy Bates (Jackie) of Ovett; grandchildren, Ashley Bates Napier (Chad) of Sandersville, Wesley Bates (Sara) of Sandersville, Kristen Byrd of Petal, Taylor Byrd of Petal, and Montana Bates of Ovett; great-grandchildren, Dalton Napier, Colton Napier, Hailey Napier and Kelton Napier, all of Sandersville; mother, Lucille Holiday Bates of Richton; siblings, J.L. Bates of Beat Four, Buddy Bates of Ovett, Eulle Bates of Richton, Barbara Jean Creel of Richton; aunt, Hazel Bates Blackledge of Ellisville; and uncle, Cecil Bates of Texas.Pallbearers will be Wesley Bates, Taylor Byrd, Daniel "Mug" Graham, Junior Bates, Kevin Crowder, Vince Galle and Terry Crowder. Honorary pallbearers are Richard Crowder, Dale Crowder, Harold Crowder, Steve Crowder, Morris Bankston, George Polson, Milton Rogers, Bill Smith, Jess Pitts, Harry Earl Lewis, Daryl Hendry and Lavern Crocker.To view or sign the family guestbook, visit www.leadercall.com or www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 9 at Ellisville Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.
Published in the Leader Call on 3/9/2010