John Morris Bates

John Morris Bates, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.  John was born in Bentonia, Mississippi in 1947 to John Prentiss Bates, Jr. and Hilda Faye Purvis Bates. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sandra Bates, his daughter, Julie Bates of Florence, MS, his sons, John Thomas Bates (Carrie) of Collinsville, Mississippi, Prentiss Bates of Florence, Mississippi, Samuel Bates (Jessica) of Brandon, Mississippi, and stepson Donald Brooks (Tasha) of Brandon, Mississippi.  He is also survived by one brother and three sisters and six grandchildren.  

John was in the U. S. Army and served in Vietnam from 1964 to 1967. John retired from Pearl Police Department in December 2000 as a lieutenant.  He was a member of the John P. Byrd Masonic Lodge # 629.  John was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Braxton, Mississippi. 

John loved camping, fishing, hunting, being with family and working on metal buildings. He was the owner/operator of Bates Metal Buildings, Inc.  

Visitation will be Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, Mississippi and again from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories in Florence, Mississippi.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com.