Jay Bates Obituary
Jay graduated from Austin High in the summer of 1968 and went on to complete Tri-City Barber College the fall of 1969, earning the title of "Master Barber." He also completed photography from State Technical Institute of Knoxville (now Pellissippi State Community College) before ultimately returning to his barbering career. Over the years, he owned and managed Dr. J Hair Salon, co-owned and operated Bates Boys Barbershop, and later established Jay Bates Barber and Beauty Salon, where he worked until his retirement in 2021.
Jay enjoyed exploring the outdoors – fishing, hiking and riding his motorcycle. He was also an avid basketball and football fan, enjoyed traveling and had a passion for photography.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, father, Ernest McNabb, Sr. and mother, Helen Bates; and brothers, Samuel Bates and Ernest McNabb, Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife, Sheryldine Bates; sons, Quintel James and Jay Bates, Jr.; daughter, Latoshia (Anthony) Bates-Brightwell; brother, Terence Bates; sisters, Carrie Gist, Ernestine (Victor, Sr.) Harris, Imogene Nance and Helena McNabb; grandchildren, Tyler Washington, KeAndre Bates, Taylor Brightwell, Tavis Brightwell, Jaycitee Bates and Jamari Bates; great-grandchildren, KeAnna Bates, KeAndre Bates, Jr., Mazi Bates and Dash Bates; stepchildren, Tyrone Holland, II, and Shanida Holland; step-grandchildren, Lyonesha Holland, Monik Holland, Iyina Holland, Neshae Holland, Tyrone Holland, III, Tychele Holland, Jayla Holland and Jyrien Holland; great-step-grandchildren, Zakai Holland, Kha'zir Holland and Adella Flemings; a host of devoted nieces and nephews; devoted cousins, Howard (Pat) Achoe, Clarence (Rooster) Crippen, JoAnn Crawford and family, Bates family, Downs family and Chaney family; devoted friends, Hilton "Snake" Tate, Lynwood Smith and Joe Davis; and all of his beloved barbershop customers.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Bridges Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 PM. Immediately following the service, family and friends will process to Sherwood Memorial Gardens for a 3:00 PM Graveside Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jay's honor to The University of Tennessee Medical Center Hospice Services or Alzheimer's Association Tennessee Chapter. (See links below)
Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924. 865-523-4999 www.bridgesfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sheila Patrick -Harper
August 20, 2025
Your family has my deepest sympathy. May God strengthen you and comfort you.
Lillian West-Collins & Family, Jamesena West-Hardin & Family
July 7, 2025
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Our deepest heartfelt sympathy, and may the Peace of GOD that surpasses all understanding bring comfort to all now and forever. Treasure the memories of your love ones in your heart forevermore. Continual prayers in the days, months, and years to come.
David Shell
July 7, 2025
Condolences to the Bates family. Jay Boy was a great man and friend. He also was my barber for years. Rest in peace
Kerry Riggins
July 6, 2025
Sincere thoughts and prayers to the Bates and Mcnabb family,GOD'S got you Kerry Riggins
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Willietta Ellis Conner
July 6, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Mr. J Bates was my barber when I lived in Knoxville. A very respectful person. My sincere sympathy is extended to the family. Willietta Ellis Conner, Selma AL.
George Welch
July 5, 2025
My sincere sympathy goes out to the family keeping you all in prayer George Welch
Ira
July 4, 2025
Rest In Peace My Friend ! Respect ! You Was A Amazing Person To Talk to in life .
Sandie Johnson
July 3, 2025
Sending my sincere deepest condolences to the Bates Family
Charles "Charlie B" Buford
July 2, 2025
RIP Jay! You or Sam cut my hair for over 40 years. The last 20 years or more I was part of the Friday afternoon club with Mike Weaver, Harold J and Corey to name a few. We would cut up for hours and as always you held the floor.(lol) You lived your life to the fullest and I will always cherish our talks and friendship. Prayers going up for your wife, children, grandchildren and the entire Bates family.
Phillip Brown
July 2, 2025
My condolences to the entire Bates family on the passing of your dear loved one Jay Bates. J- Boy cut my hair my entire adult life and I will truly miss our lively conversations about most everything because Jay had an opinion about everything!! Rest in peace brother!
Kishe Middlebrook Rodgers
June 30, 2025
Praying for peace of the family.
Terry Collins
June 30, 2025
Jay's presence is missed by so many here in Knoxville. Following in the legacy of barbers and hair professionals from the Bates family his craftsmanship was unparalleled. He brought tears of laughter and joy as you sat in his barber's chair trying to be still knowing that he had an opinion on EVERYTHING and did not hold back on carrying on a lively discussion while trimming your hair. Anything from whats happening in the neighborhood to local and national news, not to mention sports, you were not going to leave his shop with "just a haircut". He was more than a barber. Jay, we miss you!
Michael
June 30, 2025
Jay Allen Bates, he would just smile when I called him his full name, Jay was my Barber for 25 years, every second Friday, we all had some good conversations and debates over those 25, Jay have been missed for the last 4 years and will be missed.....(Rest Easy Bro)
Vincent Burris
June 29, 2025
Love you Jay, And may God bless you and your family
Richard McGhee
June 28, 2025
My condolences to the Bate's on the passing of Jay. Jay use to cut my hair when I was a little boy and I know all his brothers and sisters. Great family and special memories that I will always hold dear to my heart. RIP Jay Bates
Graylan GIBSON
June 28, 2025
Jay, was my barber for 25 years and also my hiking and fishing friend, he was a great person and Jay will be missed, payer for his family and friends.
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5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924
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