A gathering of family and friends was held from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at Peebles West Funeral Chapel in Somerville, Tenn., for John Borden Bates Jr., a resident of Williston, Tenn., in Fayette County, who died on Monday, Jan. 30, at the age of 71.
Johnny was born and raised in Grenada, the son of the late Annie Louise Haley and the late John Borden Bates Sr. He attended John Rundle High School in Grenada and Mississippi State University in Starkville. Johnny worked for many years in Grenada and Memphis, Tenn., as a carpenter, specializing in the renovation of antebellum homes. He was also a very talented wood turner and spent numerous hours creating beautiful pieces of art in his wood shop. He loved classic rock and prided himself on his extensive music trivia; he loved to quiz his children and friends with little known facts about artists and albums.
The biggest joys of Johnny’s life were his daughters, Julianna and Elise, and his three grandchildren, Borden, Molly and Berkeley. He was known to his grandchildren as “Pop” and could always be counted on to provide them with the latest fashion items and unlimited amounts of toys. After he became disabled, his happiest moments were having a grandchild on his lap ordering any toys they pointed out on Amazon and eBay. Johnny also deeply loved his prized chihuahuas, Minnie, Biscuit and Bucket, as well as his cats and mini donkeys. He spent his last years traveling the South and antique hunting with his wife, Robin. Together, they would restore what they found in their side-by-side art and woodworking shops.
In addition to his parents, his brother, Robert C. Bates, preceded Johnny in death.
Survivors include, his wife, Robin Lillard Bates; sister, Dianne Bates Biddy (Robert “Bobby” Biddy); daughters, Julianna Ellen Bates and Ruth Elise Bates (Eugene “Trey” Franklin Caldwell III); grandchildren, Borden, Molly and Berkeley, and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. Johnny also leaves behind many lifelong friends and extended family members in Grenada, who were all dear to his heart, as well as countless childhood friends of his daughters that he considered his own.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.peeblesfuneralhome.com
Peebles West Funeral Home in Somerville, Tenn., was in charge of arrangements.
