James "John" Bates

James Douglas Bates, 79, of Decatur, Alabama passed away Thursday, June 22, 2023, at NHC of Moulton. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Lawrence Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Lawrence Funeral Home with Charles Williams officiating. Burial will be at Johnson Cemetery in Danville, AL.

Born on March 10, 1944, to Ettery and Lola Jackson Bates, James was an Auxiliary Police Officer for the Moulton Police Department for 25 plus years. James enjoyed watching Nascar, Monday Night Raw, and taking care of the family cemetery.

Survivors include his two daughters, Selena Terry and Angela Reeves; five grandchildren, Asia Reeves, Amari Reeves, Jacob Terry, Andrew Terry, and Amera Reeves; one great-grandchild, Isabella Hessen; two sisters, Lois Lowery and Delores Robbins; one brother, Dwight "Pete" Bates; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Ettery and Lola Jackson Bates; one sister, Audrey Borden; and one brother, James H. "Bud" Bates.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Lindley, Randall Lindley, Bobby Ray Lowery, Jeremy Bates, Jason Robbins, Jamie Lowery, Roger Lowery, and Tim Curry.

The family extends special thanks to the staff at NHC of Moulton, nurses and staff at Hospice of North Alabama, Dr. Tucker, Lois and Delores Bates, Tina and Wayne Lindley, Deborah Kaye Bates, and Margaret Ann and Ronald Curry.