Obituary for John W. Bates
Surrounded by family in the comfort of his home, John William Bates went to be with the Lord on the morning of Monday, October 23, 2023. John was born in Amelia, Virginia on March 10, 1927 to lates James Ernest Bates, Sr. and Martha Elizabeth Booker Bates. The family moved to Dinwiddie, Virginia when John was 4 years old. There, John attended Dinwiddie County Public School, assisted his father on the farm, and was a baptized member of Mamora Baptist Church. In 1946, John was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country in World War II. His three years of military service included tours in France, Germany, and Italy. He also attended Quarter Master Baking School in Italy before being honorably discharged in 1949, having attained the rank of Sergeant.
Upon his return to Virginia, John rejoined his family on a farm in Amelia - a property John helped to purchase during his time in military service - where he worked diligently assisting his father. He soon attended agriculture and horticulture classes and became a well-known farmer throughout Amelia’s Namozine region. John took immense pride in his ability to produce quality crops and dependably shared the spoils of his labor with family, friends, and the community. Later, he served on the Review Board of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmer’s Home Administration granting housing loans for residents of rural localities. Further solidifying his connection to Amelia County, John joined the Branches Runn Baptist Church (BRBC) where he served faithfully until his health declined, most notably acting as the Trustee Ministry’s Chairman for 40 years. Similarly, John served as a past-Treasurer and member of BRBC’s Senior Choir, Celestial Chorus, and Hospitality Ministry. In his spare time, John loved and played baseball and was an avid Yankees fan.
On December 26, 1950, John married his lifelong love, Marria Belle McKensie whom he now joins in paradise. Their union was blessed with five children: Thelma, Darrell Sr (Deborah), John L. (deceased), Lydia (Willie), and Michael (Angela). He also leaves to cherish his sweet memory: Grandchildren: Shalise, Demetria, Monique, Darrell Jr., Ericka, Tiara, Linnard; Great-Grandchildren: Zion, Kennedy (deceased), Noah, Makaden, Takiyah, Makarli, and Miles; Sister: Ella Crayton and Sister-in-law: Yvonne Bates; Brother-in-law: John Hawkins, a host of nieces & nephews along with special, devoted adopted family and friends.
The Bates family respectfully requests time to privately fellowship and reflect after the funeral service. As such, there will be no repast. We appreciate your understanding and respect during this time of profound bereavement.
Viewing will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 arom 5 to 7PM.
Funeral Services Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at Branches Runn Baptist Church, Amelia. Interment church cemetery.
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