Rickey Henry Bates of Chatham, LA went to meet the Lord on April 18, 2025, at the age of 73 years.

He is proceeded in death by Joseph Henry Bates (father), Gladys Garrett Bates (mother), and Joe David Bates (brother).

Those left to cherish his memories are Kathleen "Kathy" Bates
(wife) of Chatham, La, Terrence Heath Sellers and wife Julie of Winnfield, LA, and Tammy Janine Stroud and husband Scott of Atlanta, LA. Grandchildren: Mackenzie Stroud of Atlanta, LA, Tyler Stroud and wife Jessica of Winnfield, LA, Caden Sellers and Kaylee of Dodson, LA, Brianna Sonnier and husband Grant of Erath, LA, Gabrielle Hasley and Marshall Adams of Pineville, LA, and Corey Daniel and Samantha of Winnfield, LA. Great-grandchildren: Stetson Stroud of Winnfield, LA, Drayven and Kambree Stroud of Erath, LA, and Karter and Kendal of Pineville, LA.

He was a 1969 graduate of Winnfield Senior High School, a 1970 Academic
Honor Graduate of the United States Army Infantry. He served in the Army National Guard from 1970-1975 as a tracked vehicle mechanic. He was a member of Iota Lambda Sigma Fraternity. A 1974 graduate of Northwestern State University – Bachelor of Sciences, Industrial Arts. Licensed LA Commercial Building Contractor and Residential Building Contractor. Business: Owner of Rickey Bates Woodworks from 1974 to 2012. He was a member of South Winnfield Baptist Church.

Friends may visit with the family at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield on Monday, April 21, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.  Friends may also visit with the family at South Winnfield Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 1:00 PM until service time.

Funeral services will be held at South Winnfield Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Jack Miller and Rev. Scott Smith officiating.  Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Calvin, LA under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Serving as pallbearers will be David Chandler, David Walker, Corey Daniel, Scott Stroud, Tyler Stroud, and Caden Sellers

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bobby Nowlin, Mike Nowlin, and John Dunn

The Family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorial donations be sent to:

Tullos First Baptist Church Building Fund
P.O. Box 502
Tullos, LA 71479

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.southernfuneralhome.com