Billy Loyd Bates age 82 of Mena formerly of Hatfield, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2019 in Mena.
Billy was born on March 26, 1937 in Mena, Arkansas to the late Elmer Bates and the late Viola Darr Bates. He was married to the late Delma Bates for 47 years until her passing in 2014 and worked in the construction business. Billy proudly served his country in the United States Navy earning several medals such as: Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, and public of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He enjoyed doing many things outdoors like horseback riding, working and creating things with wood. One of his favorite hobbies was making wine, even tho he didn’t drink. Most of all he was dedicated in visiting family and friends especially when they were sick. He was a loving and dedicated father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to all who knew him.
He is survived by: daughters: Michelle Tilley of Hatfield, Arkansas and Lisa Bain and husband Eddie of Hatfield, Arkansas; sons: Billy D. Bates and wife Charlie Jo of Hatfield, Arkansas and Michael Little and wife Debbie of Hatton, Arkansas; sister Darlene Loyd and husband Dennis of Hooks, Texas; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Viola Bates; wife Delma Bates; daughter Carol Dixon; sisters: Betty McClung and Faye Hall.
Funeral was Sunday, May 12, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Beasley-Wood Chapel with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating. Interment followed in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Big Fork under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
Visitation was Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Beasley Wood from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Pallbearers were Adam Gates, Sam Clayburn, Kenny Romine, Dale McCoy, Dennis Rowe and Thomas McCormick.
Honorary pallbearers were Bob Moreland and Fred Morgan
Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com
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Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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