Wilburn Newton Bates

Wilburn Newton Bates of Florence, AL was born June 23, 1929 in Wayne Co., TN, the son of the late John H. and Dora Long Bates. He was united in marriage to Hazel Walker on May 13, 1946 and she preceded him in death on October 20, 2009. Mr. Bates was retired from the City of Florence utility department and a farmer and was of the Baptist faith.

Mr. Bates departed this life on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at his home at the age of 86 Years, 4 Months, 26 Days.

He is survived by sons, Arthur Newton Bates, Charlie Henry Bates, Clifford R. Bates all of Cloverdale, AL; Jerry H. Bates, Jimmy Ray Bates and Joey N. Bates all of Florence, AL and Larry Joe Bates of Jopot, AL; daughters, Betty Wallace of Cloverdale, AL, Nancy Bates of Cloverdale, AL; a sister, Vernon Murphy of Elgin Crossroads, AL; 23 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Bates was preceded in death by brothers, Carmel C., Willie T., Boyd, Albert and George Bates; sisters, Effie Murphy, Leona Bromley.

Services will be Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 1:00 PM at Shackelford Funeral Directors chapel, Collinwood, Tennessee, with Robert Marks officiating. Burial will follow in McGee Cemetery, Waynesboro, Tennessee with Shackelford Funeral Directors, Wayne County, directing. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be Friday, November 20, 2015 from 6 to 9 pm and Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 11 am to service time at the funeral home.

Thanks to Dr. Mann and staff and Hospice workers at Amedysis with special thanks to Kim.