On November 19, 2020, heaven gained a special angel and two hearts were reunited. Philip Clayton Bates was born on September 6, 1946 to Mary Christine and John William Bates. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Catherine Bates, his sister Diane Duty, his brothers Richard and James Bates and granddaughter, Debbie Brown. He is survived by his children, John Bates and wife Jul, Carolyn Tusing and husband Chris, Lee Bates and wife Stacie, Steven Yarbrough and wife Amanda, Diane Bates and Tammy Bates; his grandchildren, Catherine and William Hicks, Kaylee Shelton, Madison Brown, Macy Yarbrough, Benjamin, Noah and Kennedy Bates, Tammie Nichols, DeeDee Caldwell, Jackie Corl, Philip and Jason Brewer, as well as many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his beloved dog, June Bug. Philip was truly one of a kind. He had the greatest heart and a spirit like no other. He was fiercely loved by those that knew him and he loved his people so deeply. He enjoyed all things western, was an avid fan of country music (the real stuff), and as he would say, “the biggest ‘foodie’ this side of the Mississippi.” He was always ready to give the best advice or to be a shoulder to cry on. To know him was to love him, and for that, he will be deeply missed.
