Obituary of Bradford "Brad" Keith Bates

Bradford Keith Bates, 54, of Olla passed from this life into his eternal home on Friday, August 5, 2016 at Savannah Grand in West Monroe following an extended illness. Bradford was born in Lake Charles on March 8, 1962 to the union of Wayne Lamar Bates and Patsy Ruth Bradford Bates. A 1981 graduate of Jena High School, Brad continued his education at Northwestern State University where he received a Bachelor of Music in 1985, a Masters of Art in Student Personnel in 1988, and finally a Masters of Divinity in Christian Education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1995. Nothing surpassed Brad's love for the Lord and Christian music. He has performed piano all over the United States including as a member of the travel team for Centrifuge where he also taught classes. Brad's walk with the Lord also brought him to New York, French West India, and Martinique on mission trips. As a member of Olla First Baptist Church he served many years as the pianist. Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Wayne and Patsy Bates; brothers, Patrick(Cheryl) and Craig; sister, Rona Barbo (Steve); nephews, Morgan Slater Barbo, Britton Kyle Barbo, and Nathan Kyle Bates; niece, Madison Nicole Bates, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 5-8 pm at Olla First Baptist Church. The funeral service will also take place at the church on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 2 pm with a graveside service to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Whitehall. Pall bearers are Darrel Black, Troy Black, Brett Bennett, Chad Champlin, Morgan Barbo, and Eddie Stewart. Honorary pall bearers are Britton Barbo and Nathan Bates. In lieu of flowers please send donation: Cliff Williams Memorial Foundation Po Box 2990 Jena, LA 71342 M. D. Anderson Po Box 4486 Houston, TX 77210-4486