Funeral service for Douglas E. Bates, age 81, of Cullman, AL, is Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, with Bro. Blake Coots officiating the funeral service and Bro. Charles Sparks officiating the graveside service.
Family will welcome friends from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Bethsadia Cemetery.
Cullman Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.
Doug was born to Feltus C. Bates and Lois Thompson Bates on Nov 17, 1942. He passed from this life on March 19, 2024 at CRMC.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Elwin Bates, and Sherall Bates.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Audrey Bates; sons, Sherwin Bates (Joan), and Jason Bates (Marie); one daughter, Neeya White (Heath); two brothers, Carlton Bates, and Kevin Bates; four grandchildren, Amber Wix, Blake Coots, Aerial Stanford, Heather White, Billy Marks; great-grandchildren, Brycen Stanford, Jaxon Fulmer, Maddie Shipley, Honey Marks, Bill Marks, Little Bill Marks; special friends, Badger and Sofie; a host of nieces and nephews; friends and family.
Doug was a hard worker who loved to be outside. He was an excellent husband and father and loved his family very much. Above all, he was a wise man of God who cared deeply about people’s salvation. He ministered at the Cullman County Jail for 52 years and was passionate about his work. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, if desired, please donate to Trinity Church.
Please visit www.cullmanfuneralhome.com to sign the online guestbook.
