Jimmy Wayne Bates

Rev. Jimmy Wayne Bates, age 70, of Monticello, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello. He was born October 29, 1949, in Dermott, AR to the late Alvin Bates and Helen Gwin Bates. Jimmy graduated from UAM where he was president of the Baptist Student Union and held a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. Jimmy began his ministry as a Baptist preacher in May, 1970 and went on to pastor churches in Arkansas, Texas and the Cayman Islands. He served as Chairman of Missions (SBC) and was a member of the Wolf Creek Baptist Camp Board. In addition to pastoring, Jimmy was also director of the Alternative Program at Drew Central Schools. The onset of Parkinson's forced Jimmy to retire from Collins Baptist Church after having served as their pastor for 25 years. Three years ago Jimmy's health had declined to the point that constant care was needed and he was blessed to move into Audrey New's Special House and become part of her extended family where he was unconditionally loved and received the very best of care. Of course, she says they were the ones who were blessed because Jimmy ministered to her and the staff as well as the other residents. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother, Gene Bates. He is survived by two sons, Ben Bates (Chelsea) of San Diego, Calif. and Landon Bates (Michelle Fontana) of Oakland, Calif.; one brother, Dale Bates (Dianna) of Monticello; one sister, Donna Watts (Kevin) and Kem Shrum (the mother of his two boys). In addition to Ms. Audrey and her staff, the family would like to thank Dr. Michael Fakouri for being so good to Jimmy, the staff of Drew Memorial Hospital and Hospice Home Care. Also, a special "thank you" to Dian Ricks, Ben Lawrence and Ann Sivils for the excellent care they gave Jimmy for many years. Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2020, at Old Troy Church with burial to follow in Trafalgar Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Troy Church Restoration Fund, c/o Dian Ricks, 405 Wilcoxon, Hamburg, Ark. 71646 or to the Trafalgar Cemetery Fund, c/o Ben Lawrence, 859 Ashley 105, Montrose, Ark. 71658. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.