Obituary for Pastor John L. Bates
With his devoted wife of 36 years by his side, Pastor John L. Bates transitioned to be with the Lord on Friday, July 6, 2018.
John was born on January 9, 1961 in Amelia, VA to John W. & the last Marria Bates. He received his education from Amelia County Public Schools where he was a star football athlete & scholar. His love for football continued throughout his life as he was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. John accepted the Lord at an early age & was baptized at Branches Runn Baptist Church where he served as an active member of the Male Chorus & Deacons Ministry before accepting the call to preach The Gospel. He married the love of his life, Anna Marie (Delaney) Bates, on November 21, 1981, & to their union, three daughters, Shalise, Monique, & Ericka, were born. While leading his family in God's love, John accepted the call to pastor Calvary Baptist Church (Burkeville, VA) where he faithfully served for 14 years until his passing. John also worked diligently as a truck driver supporting his family, connecting with countless colleagues, & developing lasting friendships until his health began to decline. He remained connected to all of his family, friends, parishioners & colleagues for many years to follow thanks to the superb medical care provided by the Virginia Cancer Institute & more specifically, Dr. Yogesh Gandhi & staff.
John leaves to lovingly cherish his memories: Wife, Anna; Daughters, Shalise (Damon), Monique & Ericka; Grandchildren, Zion & Noah; Father, John W.; Sisters, Thelma & Lydia; Brothers, Darrell Sr. (Deborah) & Michael (Angela); Grandmother-In-Laws, Larry, Alfred & Maurice. John also leaves behind several aunts & uncles, Laura (John), Ella, Yvonne, James, Lucy (George), Randall (Lucy) & Morvin (Lillian). He also had a host of nieces & nephews to include, but not limited to, Demetria, Darrell Jr., Linnard, Tiara, Dwayne, Ayden, & Tanesha & numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kennedy, & mother-in-law, Annie Delaney. John also had several close friends including Revs. Jimmy & Gloria Coleman, Pastor Anthony & Mrs. Donna Ray & Cornelius "Cornbread" Nickolson.
John touched many lives & leaves behind a legacy of love, service, & devotion to God, family & anyone in need. May his life inspire each of you to love God & others!
Funeral Services Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Branches Runn Baptist Church, Amelia. Interment church cemetery.
Michael W. Hawkes Funeral Home of Amelia in charge of arrangements.
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John was born on January 9, 1961 in Amelia, VA to John W. & the last Marria Bates. He received his education from Amelia County Public Schools where he was a star football athlete & scholar. His love for football continued throughout his life as he was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. John accepted the Lord at an early age & was baptized at Branches Runn Baptist Church where he served as an active member of the Male Chorus & Deacons Ministry before accepting the call to preach The Gospel. He married the love of his life, Anna Marie (Delaney) Bates, on November 21, 1981, & to their union, three daughters, Shalise, Monique, & Ericka, were born. While leading his family in God's love, John accepted the call to pastor Calvary Baptist Church (Burkeville, VA) where he faithfully served for 14 years until his passing. John also worked diligently as a truck driver supporting his family, connecting with countless colleagues, & developing lasting friendships until his health began to decline. He remained connected to all of his family, friends, parishioners & colleagues for many years to follow thanks to the superb medical care provided by the Virginia Cancer Institute & more specifically, Dr. Yogesh Gandhi & staff.
John leaves to lovingly cherish his memories: Wife, Anna; Daughters, Shalise (Damon), Monique & Ericka; Grandchildren, Zion & Noah; Father, John W.; Sisters, Thelma & Lydia; Brothers, Darrell Sr. (Deborah) & Michael (Angela); Grandmother-In-Laws, Larry, Alfred & Maurice. John also leaves behind several aunts & uncles, Laura (John), Ella, Yvonne, James, Lucy (George), Randall (Lucy) & Morvin (Lillian). He also had a host of nieces & nephews to include, but not limited to, Demetria, Darrell Jr., Linnard, Tiara, Dwayne, Ayden, & Tanesha & numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kennedy, & mother-in-law, Annie Delaney. John also had several close friends including Revs. Jimmy & Gloria Coleman, Pastor Anthony & Mrs. Donna Ray & Cornelius "Cornbread" Nickolson.
John touched many lives & leaves behind a legacy of love, service, & devotion to God, family & anyone in need. May his life inspire each of you to love God & others!
Funeral Services Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Branches Runn Baptist Church, Amelia. Interment church cemetery.
Michael W. Hawkes Funeral Home of Amelia in charge of arrangements.
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