Roy Lee Bates

To those who love me, and to those I love dearly. If you could see me now you wouldn’t shed a tear. Though you may not understand why I’m no longer there. Remember my spirit that is the real me because I’m still very much alive, I’ve just been set free, Oh, if you could only see! 

Brother Roy Lee Bates was born to the late Leroy Bates and the late Rosa Lee Horton on March 22, 1949, in Liberty, Mississippi. He was baptized at an early age under the leadership of Rev. Luke White at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Liberty, MS. He later joined New Zion Baptist
Church in Liberty, pastored by the late Rev. Ivy Williams; presently, under the leadership of Rev. Darrell Wilson, Rev. Ronald Stokes. Roy Lee was a dedicated member of New Zion Baptist Church, serving the Lord and his church community. He received his elementary education at
Liberty Rosenwald and attended Central High School in Liberty, Mississippi. He married his soulmate, Joyce, and celebrated their union for 55 years. He departed this life on November 14, 2024, at 75 years old, surrounded by loved ones.

Roy Lee leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Joyce Covington Bates; one son, Juareck Bates (Tiffany); one daughter, Lukatha Bates; two brothers, Howard Butler (Clara) and Paul Allen; two sisters, Bessie Martin (Joshua) and Clara Hartford (Nathaniel); one granddaughter Keitshal
Alexander; one great-grandson Rakeem Johnson, Jr.; seven sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his late parents, Leroy Bates and Rosa Lee Horton; and two sisters, Darlene Horton and Betty Jean
Houston.

Roy Lee was an entrepreneur, owning Bates Carpet for more than 40 years. As a skilled, master carpenter, he installed carpet for companies and in homes throughout the greater New Orleans area. Through Roy Lee’s mentorship, he provided jobs and training for family and friends in
need. He prioritized work and caring for his wife, children and devoted sister-in-law, Dorothy Covington. He will affectionately be remembered for his larger-than-life smile, warm and gentle spirit, as well as his immense love for the New Orleans Saints.

Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers and members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and New Zion Baptist Church (both of Liberty, MS), Rising Star B. C (Metairie, La) and all neighboring churches are all invited to attend his Celebration of Life Service on Saturday November 23, 2024 at 11:00 am at New Zion Baptist Church 5699 Bennett Rd, Liberty, Ms. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday November 22, 2024 from 4-6pm in the Chapel of Dennis Funeral Home 1812 Louisiana Ave. New Orleans, La 70115.