Thomas Lee Bates

Thomas Lee Bates
Jan. 17, 1949 – May 6, 2026
Thomas Lee Bates, 77, was born in Pike County, MS on Jan. 17, 1949, to Celestine Rollins and Tom Bates.
After his mother’s death, Thomas was raised by his older sister, Dorothy Mae Bennett, and her husband, Euel Bennett. He was the youngest of seven siblings and was raised among his siblings, nieces, and nephews in the Bennett household.
Thomas was a member of the Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, where he enjoyed services and reading his lessons.
He attended Booker T. Washington and graduated from North Pike High School. Thomas worked at Avondale Shipyard and retired from the New Orleans Sewage and Waterboard Company after nearly 40 years of service.
On July 25, 1970, Thomas and Leola (Pittman) were united in holy matrimony. They welcomed four children: Priscilla, Thomas, Elisa, and Douglas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy Mae Bennett and Mary Lee Allen; brother, Johnny Rollins, Jr.; bonus father and brother-in-law, Euel Bennett; and one great-nephew and two great-nieces.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Leola Pittman-Bates; daughters, Priscilla (Norman) Brown, and Elisa Ann (David) Bates-Williams; sons, Thomas (Lawanda Jackson) Bates and Douglas Bates; grandchildren, Jessica, Daniel, Devin, Dr. Normanda Brown, Justyn, David III (Mouse), Denver-Danae, and Kaiden; four great-grandchildren, Karasi, Jacob, Hayden-Penelope, and Demi-Danae; bonus grandchildren, Shajuana and Joanie; great-grandchildren, Ari, Reaghan, and Gernie; siblings, Evorn (Robert Lee) Brown, Donice Nell Ard< Samuel Rollins, and Jimmie Rollins.
A visitation was May 16, 2026, at Craft-Dillon-Ginn Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Harvey Cleaves officiating the service. Burial was in Ulyses Pittman Family Cemetery in Summit, MS.
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