Jimmy Michael Bates passed away on November 2, 2016 at the age of 72. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister. Survived by his spoiled wife of 33 years April Ann Bates, children: Charlotte(John)Burgin, David(Tonja)Bates, Charity(Sherman)Frierson, Esther Holman; grandchildren: Ashley Ridgell, Savannah Bates, Callie Frierson, Shelby Bates, Desirae Frierson, Sydney Bates, Jessie Frierson, Levi Piceno, Spencer Bates, Giordan Frierson; one great grandchild: Charlotte Watkins; sisters: Sandra (Ken) Snider and Peggy Robarchek.
He was known for his love of motorcycles, and was an officer of Christian Motorcyclists Association for many years; his love of cars, and knew everything about any old car; his love of the outdoors, and went camping and to the beach every chance he got; his hard work, and worked for 45 years in road contracting; his love of college football, and could tell you stats from games 40 years ago; and his corny jokes such as “Hot dog! So we stopped and got us one.” (We never got it either.) He was a great father and husband. We celebrate that he is now soaring free on the other side, although he will be desperately and dearly missed by so many here. We love you, Jim, Pop, Dad, Grandpa.
ROLL TIDE!
