John A. Bates
November 18, 2018
John A. Bates, 88, of Jemison, AL, formerly of Bessemer passed away November 18, 2018. He was a member of Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, retired from Pullman Standard and a veteran of the US Navy. Papa John was an avid sports fan, loving husband, devoted father and proud "Papa John". He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret S. Bates and his brother, Charles R. Bates. John is survived by his wife, Gloria Bates; his son, Mitchell (Joan) Bates; his daughters, Betty (Dwight) Kimbrel, Diane (B.J.) Humphries and Denise (Mark) Garner; his grandchildren, Landra Carlin, Ryan (Katie) Champion, Brad (Amanda) Monts, Andrea (David) West, Lauren Kimbrel, Brandon (Maggie) Garner, Tony (Kristy) Phelps, Matt (Jennifer) Phelps, Olen Humphries, Cole Garner and Jessie Humphries; twelve great grandchildren. Funeral service will be Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home with burial following at Highland Memorial Gardens. Pastor Phil Gwin will be officiating the service. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
John A. Bates, 88, of Jemison, AL, formerly of Bessemer passed away November 18, 2018. He was a member of Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, retired from Pullman Standard and a veteran of the US Navy. Papa John was an avid sports fan, loving... View Obituary & Service Information