Obituary of Rube Bates

Funeral services for Rube Turner Bates, age 66 of Kelly, will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, July 5, 2011 from the sanctuary of Columbia Heights Baptist Church with Bro. Bruce McGee and Bro Jack McKeithen officiating. Interment will follow at Welcome Home Cemetery in Grayson. Visitation will be Monday, July 4, 2011 at Columbia Heights Baptist Church from 5 PM to 8 PM. Rube was born on August 7, 1944 in Columbia, LA to the union of Melvin and Ethel Bratton Bates and went peacefully to his Heavenly home on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at his residence. He was a member of Columbia Heights Baptist Church. Rube was a man that believed riches were gained by your works for your fellow man. He personified this belief with his dedication to his community and friends. He retired after many years with the Caldwell Parish School Board as the Shop Foreman with the bus barn, was a longtime reserve deputy with the Caldwell Parish Sheriff's Office, he was a former Caldwell Parish Civil Defense Director, a volunteer firefighter, the current Fire Chief of Caldwell Parish, a former Lion's Club member and a Mason of the Caldwell Lodge for many years. Rube was a man of many talents and always helped a friend when asked. Rube enjoyed telling a good joke, having a good laugh and having a good time. He was well known, well liked and well loved. His most important titles were that of husband, father and grandfather He was preceded in death by his father; Melvin Bates, mother; Ethel Bates James and step-father; Alma James. Survivors include his wife of 43 years; Sherry McLain Bates, son; Jamie Bates, daughter; Vanessa Bates all of Kelly, sister; Gaytha Johnson and husband; R.D. of Jonesboro, aunt; Odell Busby of Clarks, the light of his life his granddaughter; Alexis Ausberry, his brother and sister-in-law; Danny and Sharron McLain and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Lewis Hodges, Dale Powell, Tim Burris, Garland Grant, Speck Graham, Glen Ray Gilmore, Adam Tarver and Shawn Duke. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Carroll Bates, A.B. Masters, Steve May, Binus Duke, Jerry Duke and the Caldwell Parish Fireboard. Any planned memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.