Donald “Sonny” Ray Bates, Sr, 77, of Fayetteville, passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at his home. He was born February 13, 1941 in Carrollton, MO to Joseph (Benny) and Esther Weigant Bates.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Harold D. Bates; sisters, Avonlee (Bonnie) Ford and Charlotte Roach; and a grandson, Christopher Ray Bates.
Sonny was a brick mason for 40 years and was a member of Sulphur City Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Shackelford Bates of the home; a son, Donald Bates, Jr and wife, Anita of Springdale; a daughter, Raeshelle Hawkins and husband, Bobby of Elkins; brothers, David Bates of Herrington, KS and Joseph G. Bates of Carrollton, MO; sisters, Patricia Groce and Benny Bee Blum, both of Prairie Grove; 8 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Friday, November 9, 2018 at Beard’s Chapel.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Beard’s Chapel with Pastor Dallas Auslam officiating.
Interment will follow in Baptist Ford Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel.
We will miss you Uncle Sonny.
Charlie
Oh Sharon, my heart breaks for you. I am praying for comfort and peace. We love you!
Linda and Bill
Bless your hearts..ive known him most of my life. A very good man.
See you in Heaven Sonny. We are all praying for you Sharon and family. Love y’all ❤️
We will see you in Heaven Sonny. Praying for you Sharon and family. Love y’all ❤️
Sonny and Sharon were a fixture in our lives as kids… remember roaming their place and playing with their kids. He’ll be missed, for sure.
We’ll miss you, Sonny! Enjoy Heaven. We’ll see you there soon.
You will be deeply missed by many,you were the best!
Prayers, God be with family.
Sonny was that quit voice of wisdom the who time I was lucky enough to be around him, we can all learn a lot about being a role model from him. Will be greatly missed, couldn’t help but think, Keaton just got to welcome one of his favorite people into Heaven.
Sonny was the perfect role model of what a Father, grandfather and friend should be , Couldn’t help but think how excited Keaton was when he seen sonny heading into the gates of Heaven.
We will miss you Uncle Sonny. Say hello to Grandpa Benny and Grandma Mary for us. Aunt Sharon, we love you and are praying for all of the family.
Our deepest sympathies to the Bates family.
Sharon, I am so saddened to hear of Sonny’s passing. Missed seeing you at visitation but I understand you were not ready to be around a lot of people. This is a grieving time for you and your family and since the Lord took him so suddenly a person needs time to gather their thoughts and prayers. Just wanted you to know you are in my prayers. Love, Marian Truax
God bless you. Thoughts and prayers are with all.
Sharon
Our prayers are with you and your family. Sonny will be missed dearly by everyone that knew him.
Very sorry to hear about Sonny,Sharon. Praying comfort for your family.
Mike and Frankie Edwards