BOBBY G. BATES SR.

PERRY, GA –

Bobby Gilvie Bates, Sr., 80, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Christ's Sanctified Holy Church Campground, 2500 U. S. Highway 41 North, Fort Valley, Georgia. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ's Sanctified Holy Church in Fort Valley, Georgia. Interment will be in the Campground Cemetery at Christ's Sanctified Holy Church in Fort Valley, Georgia, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ's Sanctified Holy Church, "Campground Partners Fund," P. O. Box 1465, Perry, GA 31069.

Bobby was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on January 5, 1945. He was the son of the late Osceola Gilvie Bates, Jr. and the late Mary Elizabeth Dempsey Bates. Bobby, a devoted and lifelong member of Christ's Sanctified Holy Church, entered into sanctification at the tender age of 12 and faithfully carried that commitment throughout his life. He was a loving husband, a proud father, a cherished brother, and a deeply adored granddad whose presence brought warmth and strength to all who knew him. His steadfast faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family and church community leave behind a legacy of love and inspiration. Though his absence will be deeply felt, his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to share in his life. He will be profoundly missed.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents.

Left to cherish the memories they made with Bobby are his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, Beverly Ann Kessler Bates; his children, Gil Bates of Perry, GA, and Chad Bates of Grovetown, GA; his grandchildren, Sean Bates, Isobel Bates, and Luke Bates; his sister, Pat Crosby (Jerry) of Jacksonville, FL; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.