Source: http://www.southernfuneralhome.com/index.cfm

Earl Odell Bates, Jr.
(July 19, 1926 - September 9, 2007)

Mr. Earl Odell Bates, Jr., age 81, of Many, La. passed away on September 9, 2007. Mr. Bates was a member of Beulah Baptist Church of Many. He loved fishing and the outdoors.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Early and Verdie Bates of Calvin, La.

He is survived by his wife Rudell (Jones) Bates of Many, La., three children, Gary Delane Bates and wife, Martha of Calvin, La., Sherri Janine Bates of Jonesboro, La., Russell Earl Bates and wife, Michelle of Jacksonville, Florida, one brother, Roy Bates and wife Flora of Calvin, La..

Also survived by six grandchildren, Gary Wayne Bates and wife Jennifer of Calvin, La., David Delane Bates and wife Liz of Springfield, Virginia, Catherine Dineen, William Dineen, Christopher Mann, and Lisa Boyd of Jacksonville, Florida. Five great grandchildren, Terry Delane Bates and Gracey Dean Bates of Springfield, Virginia, Hilari Michelle Boyd, Christian Thomas Boyd, and Zachary Micah Boyd of Jacksonville, Florida.

Funeral Services for Mr. Bates will be on Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Calvin, La., with Reverends Dick DeBusk, Kenneth Leach, and Wayne Morrow officiating. Graveside services will follow in the Bethlehem Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

Friends may visit with the family at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield, La. on Wednesday, September 12 from 5 - 9 PM, and at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Calvin, La. from 10 AM until time of service on Thursday, September 13th.

Pallbearers will be Todd Delgado, Dale Jones, Bill Ochiltree, Bobby Bates, Ricky Bates and Terry Bates.