B. Edgar Bates

Visitation will be held at Parkway Baptist Church Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Service will be held at Parkway Baptist Church, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 AM prior to the service. Interment will be at Lakewood Memorial Park. Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.

A resident of Clinton, MS Mr. Bates is survived by his wife, Betty Sue Hardin Bates, three children: daughter, Debbie Green (Jeff), daughter, Karen Sullivan (Kevin), and son, Brian Bates (Rebecca); and five grandchildren: Drew and Eric Sullivan, Ashley Green, Benjamin and Sarah Beth Bates.

Other survivors are: Brother, Dr. John G. Bates (Glenda) Cuthbert, GA; and 3 sisters, Virginia Morris (Terril) Crystal Springs, MS; Elaine Goss, Natchez, MS; Dianne Henry (Sammie) Monticello, MS.

Mr. Bates was preceded in death by his parents Wilbur Bernice and 011ie Verdue Bates; brother, Bill Bates, and sister, Dora Alice Bates.

Mr. Bates was born in Shivers, MS and moved to Jackson at age 13. He was a graduate of Provine High School and Mississippi College. For 25 years he owned Bates, Inc. For the past 19 years he has been a store manager for Victory Marketing. He was a member of Parkway Baptist Church, Clinton MS where he served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member and in many other ministries. Mr. Bates used his gift of music to serve as a soloist, choir member, and ensemble member.

He was a devoted family man who was married to his beloved wife for 48 years. He loved his children and grandchildren and was the "life of the party" wherever he went.

Memorials may be made to The African Missions Fund or The Family Fund at Parkway Baptist Church, 802 N. Frontage Rd., Clinton, MS 39056.