Billy James Bates, age 81, of Lucedale died Saturday, January 6, 2018 at home in Lucedale. Mr. Bates was born November 30, 1936 in Lucedale, MS. He is the son of the late Fred Winter and the late Huella Ruth (Abel) Bates. He married Lillie Lenora Cochran on January 31, 1973 at Lucedale, MS.

He served in the U.S. Army National Guard in Texas and Mississippi. He retired from Ingalls Shipbuilders, after 33 years as a Material Manager. Billy also worked as a banker in San Antonio, TX, as well as working at Wayne Lee's, Save A Lot and was a greeter at Walmart for over 9 years.
Mr. Bates was a member of Crossroads United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife: Lenora Bates , three daughters: Robin (Johnny) Tanner of Lucedale, MS, Lanelle (Chad) Sullivan of Laurel, MS and Vickie (Don) Martin of Lucedale, MS, and four sons: Tommy (Anna Kay) Bates of Lucedale, MS, John (Cindy) Bates of Lucedale, MS, Donell Loper of Lucedale, MS and Darden (Melissa) Loper of Lucedale, MS,
16 grandchildren 16 great grandchildren

The funeral will be held 12:00 pm on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St., Lucedale, MS with Rev. Darden Loper officiating. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery, Lucedale.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, January 9 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St., Lucedale, MS.

Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS, is in charge of arrangements.