Funeral service for Mr. Christopher Bates, 60 of Athens, Alabama will be 2:00 pm, Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Reynolds Funeral Home Memorial Chapel with the Reverend Franklin Elliott officiating. Inhumation will follow in Calvary Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 -1:45.
Public Viewing will be Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Christopher was born to late Sidney Bates Sr. and Christine Snyder Bates on March 12, 1953 in Tuskegee, Alabama. On Monday, February 3, 2014, he passed gently away from this life at Big Springs-Kindred Transitional Care & Rehabilitation in Huntsville, Alabama. He confessed Christ at an early age and joined St. James Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Mr. Bates received his formal education in the Decatur City School System and was a graduate of Austin High School.
Prior to becoming disabled, Mr. Bates was employed by the City of Decatur. Chris took life and his family very seriously. In spite of his disability, he overcame many obstacles and in the last ten years of his life, he became independent and productive. This made him very proud that he was able to take care of himself.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sydney Bates Sr. and Christine Bates.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Pamela (Randy) Woodruff of Decatur; three brothers, Thomas (Annette) Bates of Roseville, CA, George (Mildred) Bates of Sacramento, CA, and Sidney Bates Jr. of Decatur; two grandchildren, Janessa Gray and Jalyn Woodruff; two aunts, Mrs. Lee Elliott of Union City, CA and Mrs. Hester Snyder of Rockland, CA; and a host of cousins extended family and friends.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
