Obituaries
Obituary for Elder W.L. Bates
Elder W.L. Bates, 95, died November 4, 2019.
Elder W. L. Bates was born December 7, 1923 to Tommie Bates and Maggie Darling Bates in West Point, Mississippi.
He began his Christian experience at an early age. In 1955, he united in Holy matrimony with the love of his life, Evelyn Juanita Pye. Unto this union five sons were born. Elder Bates accepted the call into ministry in 1958, at Jackson Avenue Ministry Baptist Church which is presently Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church. He preached his first sermon there in January 1959.
He shepherded the flock of God at various CME churches by being a leader and demonstrating by the power of example, the art of knowing and serving God. His love, dedication and zeal for Christ and his family was exemplified time and time again. Thus, he coined the Christian phrase “Do Your Work.” He joined the Temple of Love CME Church after his retirement. His ministry continued until God called him home.
Elder Bates, a World War II Veteran entered the United States Army in 1943 and served in Plymouth, England, Normandy, Northern France, Luxenberg and Berlin Germany. He received many medals of commendation.
He leaves to cherish his legacy and memories five sons, Thomas (Sally), Harold, Sr. (Phyllis), Clifton (Brenda), Brian of Memphis, Tennessee, and Vernon (Gwenette) Bates of Covington, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, one brother-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, love ones and friends who will truly miss him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Juanita Bates, his father, Tommie Bates and his mother, Maggie Darling Bates.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861.
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Elder W. L. Bates was born December 7, 1923 to Tommie Bates and Maggie Darling Bates in West Point, Mississippi.
He began his Christian experience at an early age. In 1955, he united in Holy matrimony with the love of his life, Evelyn Juanita Pye. Unto this union five sons were born. Elder Bates accepted the call into ministry in 1958, at Jackson Avenue Ministry Baptist Church which is presently Cummings Street Missionary Baptist Church. He preached his first sermon there in January 1959.
He shepherded the flock of God at various CME churches by being a leader and demonstrating by the power of example, the art of knowing and serving God. His love, dedication and zeal for Christ and his family was exemplified time and time again. Thus, he coined the Christian phrase “Do Your Work.” He joined the Temple of Love CME Church after his retirement. His ministry continued until God called him home.
Elder Bates, a World War II Veteran entered the United States Army in 1943 and served in Plymouth, England, Normandy, Northern France, Luxenberg and Berlin Germany. He received many medals of commendation.
He leaves to cherish his legacy and memories five sons, Thomas (Sally), Harold, Sr. (Phyllis), Clifton (Brenda), Brian of Memphis, Tennessee, and Vernon (Gwenette) Bates of Covington, Tennessee; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, one brother-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, love ones and friends who will truly miss him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Juanita Bates, his father, Tommie Bates and his mother, Maggie Darling Bates.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901)379-0861.
Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
13
Nov
6:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Serenity Funeral Home
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Service
Thursday
14
Nov
12:00 PM
Temple of Love CME Church
5318 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, TN 38116
Committal Service
Friday
15
Nov
9:30 AM
West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery
4000 Forest Hill Irene Road
Memphis, TN 38125
Cemetery Details
Location
West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery
4000 Forest Hill Irene Road
Memphis, TN 38125
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