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.