Pastor's Blog

Leonard Bates

October 15, 1941 — August 22, 2025

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Sonny Bates was born on October 15, 1941, in Hartselle, Alabama, and came face-to-face with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 22, 2025 in Mobile, Alabama. He was a faithful member, Deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Friendship Baptist Church since 1973, and a retired employee of Chevron Pascagoula Refinery. A faithful follower of Jesus, the best daddy, husband, and Poppy there ever was, he entered heaven the same day as his precious mother-in-law Kittie Camp had 3 years prior.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard Etheridge Bates, Sr., and Etta Mae Wallace Bates, and his sisters Sherri Bates Condry and Gaye Royuallyn Crocker. Sonny is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jeanette, his daughters Adrian (Billy) Thompson and Rebecca (Jay) Taylor, son Wes (Rebekah) Bates, grandchildren Ellie Taylor, Nathan Bates, Mallie Taylor, Nora Bates, Noah Thompson, and another to be born in October, his brother Larry Bates, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and other relatives.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025 from 5:00-7:00, with the funeral on Tuesday August 26, 2025 at 10:00, all from Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, Alabama. Burial will take place at the Alabama State Veterans’ Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Alabama at 2:00.

My heart has been heavy and hurting ever since early yesterday morning.  I intentionally did not visit Sonny this past Monday as I had been exposed to covid and did not want to potentially expose him.  I spoke to Jeanette and she agreed with me that not visiting was the best decision.  If only I had known. . .   Keep praying for Jeanette and family.

Tomorrow will be a normal Sunday on our campus with Sunday School, morning worship and an abbreviated evening worship.  Then we will gather in the CAB to celebrate ten years of ministry at Friendship for Bro. Abel Garcia.  Four years his first time here and six years this time.  What a blessing Bro. Abel has been to me personally and professionally.  He thinks soccer is a sport but everyone has their faults!

Remember, we will receive a love offering for Bro. Abel in both services tomorrow to show a token of our appreciation for him.  Pray and give as the Lord leads.

You are not asked to bring anything to the fellowship.  There will be a taco bar and Bro. Abel is pumped!

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.  Hope to see you in the morning and then again tomorrow evening.