Doug Bates

J. Douglas Bates, 60, of Cookeville, loving husband, hero father, compassionate son and encouraging friend, peacefully went home to be with his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ Wednesday, June 3, 2009. If he has touched your life, come and share your memories with the family from 5 pm - 8 pm on Friday, June 5th at Hooper-Huddleston-Horner Funeral Home. Celebration services will be held at First Baptist Church Cookeville at 10 am on Saturday, June 6th. Interment with military honors will follow at Cookeville City Cemetery. Dr. Gerald Stow and Dr. Randall Adkisson will officiate. His legacy includes his wife of 39 years, Debbie Kent Bates; daughters, Celeste Bates Gammon (husband Tony Gammon), Abby Bates Williams (husband Councilman Ryan Williams) and Natalie Christine Bates; Grandchildren, Grace Ann Gammon, Grant Gammon, Grady Gammon, Tyson Williams and Carson Williams. His heritage includes his devoted mother, Mrs. Velma C. Bates of Lawerenceburg, TN and the late James G. Bates; sisters, Carol Edmondson (husband Richard) of Ethridge, TN and Barbara Galloway (husband Sam) of Columbus, IN. Born in West Covina, California on December 5, 1948, Doug moved to Lawrenceburg, TN where he grew up, me and married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Kent on June 6, 1970. He then served his country as a combat medic where he received the bronze star for outstanding service. After returning from Vietnam, he received his B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Tennessee Technological University. He then owned and operated New Day Maintenance and Supply and attended First Baptist Church of Cookeville where he taught Sunday school, served as a deacon and worked wit the singles ministry. After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, he fulfilled his life-long ambition and wrote a book entitled Circles Around the Sun about his experiences in the Vietnam War. During his latter years, he was an insurance salesman for Woodmen of the World. Doug Bates' passions revolved around his desire to please and serve his heavenly Father. He was constantly looking for an opportunity to share his faith with strangers or friends. He gave back to this community through Habitat for Humanity, Rotary Club, and serving as a volunteer in the Cancer Center at Cookeville Regional Medcial Center. His family was also at the center of his heart. He enjoyed listening to the giggles of his five grandchildren, kisses of his beautiful wife, and the embraces of his three girls. He loved the beach and playing golf with his buddies even through the pain of his illness. He was known to say, "Cancer may take my body, but it can't take my joy." The last seven years as Doug bravely faced the slow deterioration of his health, he has continually blessed the medical professionals, his family and his friends with his optimism and love for life and his Lord. Those who know him cannot help but feel blessed that we experienced James Douglas Bates and feel the confidence that Doug is as intimate with God as he can be. Donations in Doug's honor can be made to: Highland Rim Academy a classical Christian education school where his grandchildren attend (PO Box 3022, Cookeville, 38502) and/or the City of Cookeville (PO Box 571, Cookeville, 38501) for a dedicated improvement in Dogwood Park. Pallbearers will be golfing buddies at First Baptist Church. Cookeville Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.