John Bates, age 83 of Arley, formerly of Sikeston, MO, passed away Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Cullman Regional Medical Center. He was born April 23, 1942 to Floyd and Verda Bates. John was known for his love of God, his Country, children, his humor, and his selfless kind heart. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Visitation will be Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 p.m. at Nichols Funeral Home in Addison where the service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Prospect Cemetery, Nauvoo, Alabama. Steve Collins will officiate. John is survived by his sister, Elsie Dobbins; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Bates; parents, Floyd and Verda Bates; brothers, Floyd Bates, Sylvester Bates, Delaney Bates, and an infant brother, Jim Bates; and sisters, Sibyl Mitchell, Josephine Thomas, Erlene Woods, Rossie Hill, Jennie Loveless, and Jeanette Camp.
