McKinley Bates Sr. Obituary
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of McKinley Bates Sr. of Ferriday, Louisiana, who passed away on April 18, 2026 at the age of 80. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by: his parents, James Bates and Geneva Mack Gibson; his stepfather Willie Gibson; his son Arthur Bates; his brother Julius Mack; and his sister-in-law Clara Mack.
He is survived by: his children, McKinley Bates, Jr. of Ferriday, Otis Bates of Ferriday, Nathaniel Bates (Tarrika) of Darlington, SC, Vince Bates of Vidalia, Richard Bates (Tiffany) of Ruston, LA, James Bates of Hammond, LA and Shakinly Bates of Houston, TX; his sisters, Janie Bates of Ferriday, Phyllis Ellis (Ernest) of Ferriday, Velma Fortune (Robert) of Ferriday and Evelyn Bates; his sister-in-law Deloris Mack of Houston, TX; his brothers, Arthur Bates (Annie) of Vidalia and James Bates of Chicago, IL.; and his close friend Rose Tyler of Natchez, MS.. He is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins.
