Leo Bates

Leo Bates
March 21, 1943 – June 4, 2026

Leo Bates, 83, of Tylertown, died on June 4, 2026, at Merit Health Wesley Hospital in Hattiesburg. He was born March 21, 1943, in Liberty, to Jessie and Mammie Bates.
Leo was one of 15 children; he had an identical twin brother, Cleo Bates. Leo and his siblings were educated in Liberty schools. Leo and his twin brother moved to New Orleans in their younger years and started a 30-year career in construction.  Leo later moved to Tylertown and worked at Tylertown Elementary School as the head custodian until he retired in 2009.  He loved gardening and yard work.
Leo was a devoted deacon at Powerhouse Jesus Name Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Colia Dillon, and later became a deacon at Bibleway Church of God in Christ under Pastor Speedy Ross. Deacon Bates was a praying man who loved God and holiness.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bonnie S. Bates; son, Michael K. Bates; four brothers, including his identical twin, Cleo Bates, Tommy Bates, George Bates, and Paul Bates; four sisters, Ruby Anderson, Elaine Jackson, Shirley Owens, and Patsy Bates.
Survivors include his daughter, Sheena A. Bates; sons, Leo R. Bates and Mark (Janet) Bates; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Bates; brothers, Bobby Bates, Authur Bates, Louis Bates; sisters, Betty Bates, Johnnie Bates, Lillie Bates; brothers-in-law, Matthew Foxworth, Jr., Harry (Mac) Foxworth, Marvin Foxworth; sister-in-law, Percy Nell Foxworth; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Services for Deacon Bates were held on June 27, 2026, at Bible Way COGIC in McComb. Pastor Speedy Ross officiated the services. Burial was in the Magee Cemetery. Services were entrusted to Craft-Dillon-Ginn Funeral Chapel, Tylertown. Please share online condolences at www.craftfuneralhome.com