July 18, 1945 – March 29, 2013

NATCHEZ — Services for Johnny Edward Bates, 67, of Natchez, who died Friday, March 29, 2013, at Natchez Community Hospital, will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Southwood Lodge Baptist Church in Kingston with the Rev. Kejune Bates officiating.

Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from noon to 5 p.m. today at the funeral home in Natchez and from 11 a.m. until service time Friday at the church.

Mr. Bates was born July 18, 1945, in Natchez, the son Joe Bates Sr. and Mary Coleman Bates.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and three brothers.

Survivors include a loving wife, Shirley Bates; two daughters, Lavonda Bates of Natchez and Linda Bates of Biloxi; four sons, Anthony Bates and wife, Cabrina, of Pascagoula, Johnny Bates Jr., Antonio Johnson and Quiero Johnson, all of Natchez; two sisters, Mittie Ford and Exelina Arbuthnot and husband, Charles, all of Natchez; one brother, Freddie Bates and wife, Josie; one cousin, James Coleman and wife, Dorothy; and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.