Funeral Service for Occie Kennith Bates, age 87 of Cullman, will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home; burial at Cullman City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home.
Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Bates passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at his residence. He was born, December 15, 1936, to Occie Lorenzo Bates and Vassie Williams Bates.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Norma Louise Bates; parents; and daughter-in-law, Felisha Bates.
Kennith and Norma were married from October 7, 1971 until her passing. He retired as a heavy equipment operator with Employers Operating Engineers, Local 520, where he was a union member for 66 years. He also served in the United States Army.
Survivors include his son, Eugene Bates; granddaughter, Caitlin Bates; grandson, Braxton Bates and a host of extended family and friends.
The Bates family would like to thank Diana Lee, Joy Williams, Kathy Alexander, Kim Bradford, Pam Ray and Gentiva Hospice for the love and care they gave.
