Services for Joseph “Joe” Bates, 75, of Natchez, who died Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007, at the University Medical Center, in Jackson, will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Pilgrim Baptist Church with Elder Josh Whitley officiating.
Burial will follow at Southwood Lodge Church Cemetery under the direction of Robert D. Mackel and Sons Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mr. Bates was born July 5, 1931, in Adams County, the son of Joseph Bates Sr. and Mary Coleman Bates. He was retired from Diamond International and Mississippi Valley Gas Company. He was owner of House of Carpets and Furniture. His last employment was with the Natchez Children Home. He was a Pentecostal and a member of True Church of Jesus Christ. He was a quartet singer for over 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Larry Bates.

Survivors include his dedicated wife, Josephine Flowers Bates; children, Margaret Holmes, Barbara Clark, Leroy Bates, Debra Davis and husband, Dan, and Christina Smith and husband, Andrew, all of Natchez, Glen Bates and wife, Stephine, Patricia Larry and husband, James all of Houston and Lonnie Bates of Toledo, Ohio; brothers, Johnny Bates and wife, Shirley, David Bates, and Freddie Bates and wife, Lena, all of Natchez; sisters, Exelena Arbuthnot and husband, Charles, and Mittie Ford, all of Natchez; sisters-in-law, Pearline Bates and Myrtis Gordan and husband, Don, all of Natchez; 19 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be nephews.