Michael Bates

Mr. Michael Franklin Bates

Newton, MS

Mr. Bates, age 63, a resident of Bedford Care Center of Newton passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2019.  His visitation will be held 5pm-7pm Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Morton.  Services will be held 7pm Thursday night in the Ott & Lee Chapel in Morton.  Burial will be in Leesburg Church of Christ Cemetery.  Bro. Tommy Bates will officiate the services.  Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Morton.

Michael was born in Morton on June 5, 1956.  He loved gardening, growing beautiful flowers and raising rabbits.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George Bates Jr. and Bobbie Jean Shivers Bates; siblings, Barbara Jean Simms, George Welton Bates, Cheryl Stewart and Jackie Bates.

He is survived by his children's mother, Jean Bates of Morton; 4 children, Nicklies Bates, Scotty Bates, Cookie Bates and Tommy Bates all of Morton; 5 siblings, Pat Huff of Morton, Jerry Bates (Winnie) of Homewood, Larry Bates (Angela) of Morton, David Bates of Decatur and Rhonda Steward (Johnny Michael) of Montrose; 11 grandchildren: Dillan Hillhouse, Nicholas Bates, Rusty Bates, Michael Bates, Angel Bates, Zachary Bates, Nicole Prestage, Richard Strickland, Joanie Strickland, Jeffrey Bates and Dusty Bates; and a host of friends.

There will be NO graveside service.