Memorial services will be held at a later date for Mr. Robert Wayne "Uncle Buddy" Bates, age 77, of Ovett.  Mr. Bates passed from this life on December 23, 2024 in Laurel, Mississippi.

Mr. Bates worked in the oilfield.  He was also a heavy equipment operator for Jones County.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Bates; parents, Thurman and Lucille Bates; brothers, Henry Bates and J.L. Bates; and sister, Barbara Creel.

He is survived by his children, John Wayne (Kelly) Bates of Ovett, Buddy Allen Bates of Ovett, and Lucinda Maxcey Bates of Laurel; grandchildren, Shane Bates of Columbia, Johnny Bates of Bassfield, Jonathan Bates of Laurel, Colby Maxcey of Laurel, and Hunter Maxcey of Laurel; 13 great grandchildren; and brother, Eulle (Sue) Bates of Richton.