Fermon E. Bates

Fermon E. Bates, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019.

He was born Aug. 1, 1933, in Cedar Glades, Ark., to the late William “Ollie” and Mary Herron Bates. He was also preceded in death by his mother- and father-in-law, Okes and Hettie Speer Blocker; brothers, Moman and Vernon Bates; brother-inlaw, Ed Johnson; brother- and sister-in-law, Pat and Clara Bee Anderson; and sister-in-law, Betty Bates Daniels.

Fermon is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 62 years, Silma; daughter and son-in-law, Melody and Tommy Green; grandson, Brady (Pop’s boy); sister, Norene Bates; sisters-in-law, Kelva Johnson and Doris Bates; nieces and nephews, Moman Jr., Debbie, Dennis, Terry, Pam, Kim, Darah, Jimmy, Doug, Johnny, Mark, Joy and Julie.

Fermon served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, was the owner of Bates Bed Slat Sawmill, and in later years a Car Brite Distributor. He was the associate pastor of the Old Country Church of Hot Springs, and one of Cracker Barrel’s best customers. His life’s mission was to bring people to the Lord, Jesus Christ, and he loved to witness to others. Many people who never attended church were introduced to the Lord because of his willingness and boldness to share the love of Jesus with them. This is his greatest legacy. (John 3:16).

Pallbearers are John Tucker, Andrew Tucker, Mark Johnson, Chip King, Johnny Anderson and Jared Hawthorn. Honorary pallbearers are Howard Rowton, Winford Bates, the Jim and Margaret McCord family, David and Joyce Carpenter, Wilbert and Jackie Bates, Tim Duncan, Claralene Wigley, Tom and Barbara Fisher, and Bobby and Betty Green.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, followed by the service at 2 p.m. with Brother David Carpenter, Doug Anderson and John Tucker leading the service.

Guests may register at http:// www.caruth-hale.com.