Earl Edward Bates of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 16, 2021 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born to Royce Anthony Bates and Eva Gladys (Essman) Bates on January 27, 1941 in Waldron, Arkansas. He was 80 years, 10 months and 16 days old.
Earl loved spending time with his family, fishing, deer hunting, tinkering with his tractor, riding his four-wheeler and most of all he enjoyed taking his grandchildren hunting. He spent most of his time at his cabin and in the summer he could be found spending time in his garden.
Earl leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Shirley Taylor Bates of 61 beloved years, of the home, two daughters, Janet Moore (Brad Evans) and Karen Bates (Robert Marsh) and one son Rickey Bates (Pam Bates) all of Waldron, Arkansas. Papaw will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Rachel Himes, Levi Moore, Brandy Marsh, Kasey Hurst and one grandson waiting on him in Heaven, Chase Don Bates, as well as his great grandchildren: Dalton, Ridge, Mason, Kaylee, Aaron, Tinley and Thomas. Earl is also survived by one sister, Freda Ballard, sister-in-law Mina Atnip and brother-in-law Bob Ballard. Earl will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including a host of extended family, friends and neighbors he loved dearly.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Royce and Eva Bates, brother, Mearl Bates and sister Frankie Mae Hunt.
Earl’s life celebration will be 11:00 a.m, Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jack Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Grove #3 Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Earl’s pallbearers will be Kelley Hunt, Mike Bates, Rick Black, Miles Dozier, Lewis Wayne James and Stanley Brewer.
Earl’s visitation will be Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
