Mr. Bobby Joe Bates, Sr. Obituary (1934

Bobby Joe Bates Sr., of Pheba, MS, completed his journey through this life and went on to be with the Lord on September 9, 2025, at the age of 91. Bob was born on June 19, 1934, to Taylor and Mollie Lessie Bates in Fulton, Mississippi. As a young boy they moved to Columbus. He loved to reminisce about growing up in Columbus and his days riding his Harley that he purchased with money earned from running a paper route. He joined the Navy Submariner Service in 1955. While on leave in Columbus, he met the love of his life, Ann Neal, from Pheba. They were married in 1958 and moved to Duncanville, Texas where he served in the Air Force at Duncanville Air Station and the Shephard Air Force Base, where he worked on the Atlas Missile Project. In 1965, after leaving the military, they returned to Pheba. Bob worked for the USDA Poultry Lab until retiring in 1992. Bob and Ann lived a life deeply devoted to the Lord, one another, the church, their community, friends, and most importantly all their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Bob believed in a life of service. He was dedicated to serving in his church in many capacities as well as helping people in the community. Bob loved his Pheba Farm and took great pride in maintaining and taking care of it as well as working alongside Ann in the yard and garden. The fourth of July tradition of cooking the hog and having family and friends come brought them so much joy and pleasure. He leaves behind a legacy that inspires us all and we are grateful to him for the life he led. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Ann. He is survived by two sons, Joe (Susan), Tim (Ann), and one daughter, Catherine (Jody). As well as seven grandchildren Jennifer (Braxton), Shannon (Clayton), Ellen (Chase), Molly (Chad), Joel (Rachel), Mary Catherine, and Taylor and 18 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9:00-10:00 A.M. at Pheba Baptist Church in Pheba, Mississippi. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 A.M. at Pheba Baptist Church. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. Pallbearers will be Jody Ray, Joel Ray, Taylor Ray, Eddie Strickland, Chad Kirchoff, and Tommy Millsaps. Memorials may be made to: The Baptist Children’s Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060. Friends may leave an online condolence at www.calvertfuneralhome.com