Bill-Bates-Obituary

Bill Bates

Obituary

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The turkey grower who helped Alabama celebrate Thanksgiving for more than 60 years has died.

Bill Bates, of Bates Turkey Farm, died Monday at his home near Fort Deposit. He was 89. His daughter, Becky Sloan, said he had heart problems.

Bates started an Alabama tradition 63 years ago when he took one of his large tom turkeys to Alabama Gov. Jim Folsom shortly before Thanksgiving to promote eating turkey. Each year, as Thanksgiving approached, Bates took a large white turkey always named Clyde to the governor and got it pardoned. Then Bates would present the governor with a dressed turkey from his Lowndes County farm.

It was a tradition that almost didn't get started.

Former Gov. Jim Folsom "tried to kill that first one we brought. He got loose and flew all over the office," Bates said in a 2004 interview with The Associated Press.

Bates was active in the Republican Party long before it began to dominate state politics, but politics never came up at the pardoning ceremony, even with four-time Democratic Gov. George C. Wallace.

"I gave George Wallace so many turkeys, he told me once, 'You're the only Republican I really like," Bates said.

Sloan said the family plans to continue the pardon tradition.

Bates' father started the turkey farm in 1923, and Bates started running it after returning from service in World War II. He raised free-range turkeys on a natural diet. His daughter said he was always coming up with new ideas to help the business, even in his final days.

She recalled that some fellow turkey growers questioned his decision when he decided to start selling smoked turkeys that were ready to eat, but it was a huge success.

"He said most of these ladies don't know how to cook turkey, and I want them to have turkey some time other Thanksgiving and Christmas," Sloan said.

She said the farm faces U.S. 31 and people used to stop by to buy turkeys until Interstate 61 replaced it as a major north-south route through Alabama. Bates decided to open Bates House of Turkey at the Greenville exit of I-65 to sell turkey dinners, turkey sandwiches and smoked turkeys to tourists headed to Alabama and Florida beaches. His restaurant is now one of Alabama's best known.

Gov. Robert Bentley stopped by the restaurant for lunch with Bates last summer.

"Bill Bates was one of the finest men I knew. A veteran of World War II, Bill served his country with honesty and integrity. He was a member of the greatest generation, who loved God, his family and his country," the governor said.

Bentley said he's glad Bates' family will continue Alabama's Thanksgiving tradition, but he said, "This year's ceremony will not be the same without Mr. Bates."

Funeral arrangements are pending.

PHILLIP RAWLS, Associated Press




Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Please accept my condolence and heartfelt prayers for the loss of Bill. When someone we love dies naturally we look for comfort, (2 Cor.1:3) says that God is the God of all comfort. It is my hope all of you will find encouragement knowing also that our loving Creator comfort all who mourns the loss of their love ones (Isaiah 61:1, 2).

To the family I want to thank Mr. Bates for that smoked turkey because I love it. I will remember him when I eat turkey now. The family has my deepest sympathy for their loss. May Mr. Bates sleep in peace.

I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)

No better words can comfort you than Gods word. Psalms 65:2

May God give comfort in His words.
Proverbs 12:28 In the path of righteousness there is life, and the journey in its pathway means no death

Dear Pete,
Wanda, you, and all your family are being lifted up in our prayers. Peace to you . Nick and Dare Evans

My condolences to the Bates family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your loved one.

OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE BATES FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR MILITARY SERVICE, MR. BATES. GOD WELCOME YOU HOME.