Earl Bates, Jr. was born October 31, 1922 in Farmersville, Texas to Earl Bates, Sr. and Minnie Short Bates. He was a skilled machinist and was owner of Bates Machine and Mfg. Co, which was founded in 1975. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a faithful member of the Church of Christ; he loved the LORD and his FAMILY. He was a volunteer fireman for Farmersville from 1957-1989.
His hobbies throughout his lifetime included snow skiing, traveling, visiting family in Corpus Christi, raising cattle, being constructive on the farm with his backhoe and driving “Old Yeller” his farm truck.
He is survived by; wife, Phyllis Jackson Bates, children, Paul Bates and wife Kerri of Farmersville, Texas, Mary Kaye Wilson of Farmersville, Texas, surviving step children, Scott Jarman and wife Juanita of Bastrop, Texas, Greg Jarman and wife Sabrina of Richardson, Texas, Kelley Followwell and husband Mickey of Forney, Texas, surviving grandchildren, Justin Bates and wife Kelsey of Farmersville, Texas, Bre Manuel and husband Aaron of Lewisville, Texas, Shelby Wilson of Farmersville, Texas, Kyleigh Kasper of Farmersville, Texas, Kelcey Kasper of Farmersville, Texas, surviving step-grandchildren, Ragan Jarman, Jack Jarman, Ella Jarman, Addison Followwell.
He is preceded in death by; mother, Minnie Short Bates, father, Earl Bates, Sr., first wife, Jerry Ann Bates and cousin, Abernathy “Nab” Bates.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hurst Fielder Baker Funeral Home in Farmersville, Texas.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in I. O. O. F. Cemetery in Farmersville, Texas. Rev. Tony Linton will officiate.
Pallbearers are: Greg Jarman, Scott Jarman, Kelly Hendrex, Kale Hendrex, Joe Wilson and Rance Reynolds. Honorary Pallbearers are: Mike Teeples, George Sabolski, Wayne Johnson and Glenn Bailey.