LUNSFORD FUNERAL HOME
http://www.lunsfordfuneralhome.com
John Gilbert Bates, M. D. passed away at home on Sunday, August 11, 2024. He was a graduate of Mississippi College, Baptist University, and Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA. After marrying Glenda Walker, he practiced as a family physician in Mendenhall, MS for 2 years. A native of Mississippi, he moved to Cuthbert, GA in 1963 to join the medical practice of Drs. Elliott, Martin, and Sills. He and Dr. Sills were friends since college, attended medical school together, and had planned to practice medicine together. He was a member of the Medical Staff of Patterson Hospital and Joe-Anne Burgin Nursing Home for many years. He was a Board Certified Family Physician and member of the Medical Association of Georgia, American Medical Association, Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, Southern Medical Association, Randolph/Stewart/Terrell Medical Society, and served on the Board of Health for Randolph County. Dr. Bates provided care for patients in Randolph County and surrounding counties of Southwest Georgia for over 50 years. Records indicate he delivered over 2,000 babies. He was loved by his patients, and he always had a kind word or smile for them.
As a Christian from a young age, John was active in church. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cuthbert and a Deacon. He served on various committees over the years and was diligent in the physical upkeep of the church. He also always enjoyed the children at church having a smile or comical expression for them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Bernice and Ollie Verdue Bates; two brothers, Bill Bates and Edgar Bates; sister, Diane Bates Henry; and son-in-law, Pat Sanders.
As he is rejoicing in Heaven, he leaves behind his wife, Glenda Walker Bates; daughter, Jennifer Bates Sanders of Cuthbert; son, John Paul Bates (Tina) of Thomasville, GA; grandchildren; Jonathan Patrick Sanders (Natalie), Melissa Sanders Caldwell (Zack), John Michael Bates, and Mallory C. Bates (Josh); great-grandchildren; Adam Caldwell (Madison Davis), Brookelyn Caldwell, Alex Caldwell, Calleigh Caldwell, Taylie Sanders, Adalynn Sanders, Kenadie Sanders, Gina August Bates, and Chrissilda Bates; sisters; Virginia Morris, Crystal Springs, MS, and Elaine Goss, Columbia, MS; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in the First Baptist Church of Cuthbert with Revs. Nathan Ziglar and Tom McClendon officiating. Interment will flow in the Cuthbert Eastview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Cuthbert at P. O. Box 274 Cuthbert, GA 39840.
"absent from the body and at home with the Lord" 2 Cor. 5:8
LUNSFORD FUNERAL HOME
CUTHBERT, GA 229/732-2148
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