Jerry Willie Bates

Visitation: Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 10am-11am at Branch Baptist Church.

Church service: Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 11am in the Branch Baptist Church.

There will be no graveside service.

Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton is honored to serve the Bates family.

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Jerry Willie Bates, age 92, a lifelong pillar of Leesburg, MS, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ shortly before midnight on Monday January 27, 2025. 

Jerry Willie’s life was richly lived in service and kindness. Known as retired Cotton farmer, Jerry was a simple man who loved the Lord and his family with all of his heart. He enjoyed fishing and traveling with his wife, Kathy. They were known to spontaneously skip a state or two in pursuit of a good steakhouse. 

Preceded in death by his mother, Lizzie Massey Bates; his father, J. D. Bates; his sister, Beverly Smith; his adoring wife, Kathy Bates; his daughters, Ramona Whitehead and Sherry Bates as well as his granddaughter, Nikki Clifford, and leaving a legacy through his children, Jeff Bates (Terri), Denet Goodman (Curt), Christi Wright (Tim), Ashley Dutiel (Kevin) and grandchildren, Dana Babb, Leslie Rigaud, Garrett Goodman, Morgan Goodman, Justin Bates, Taylor Bates, Tracie Wilson, Jason Passons and Tasha Lofton as well as numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Jerry’s memory will be that of great honor and respect by all who knew him. 

A funeral service will take place on Thursday 01/30/25 at Branch Baptist Church where Jerry Willie Bates was a member. Presiding over the service will be Brother Geary Walton along with a short tribute prepared by Ashley Dutiel. 

Pall bearers are Curtis Goodman, Garrett Goodman, Trenton Phillipson and Marcus Helms II.