ALLEN RAY BATES

Allen Ray Bates, 77, of Perry, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Perry Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. Allen was born on October 13, 1947, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, to the late Ray and Virginia Bates. He grew up in Chico, California, where he met the love of his life, Juanita Elston. They were married on April 14, 1973, and shared 52 wonderful years together. Their marriage was built on faith, love, and service, including opening their hearts and home to twenty foster children in their early years together. Allen was a proud Vietnam Army veteran, serving his country from 1968 to 1969. After his military service, he found joy working in the pawn and bicycle business as a young man. He had a deep passion for history, genealogy, and travel, always eager to learn about the past and explore new places. An avid fisherman, he cherished time spent with “the good old boys,” swapping stories and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. In 2018, Allen and Juanita moved from California to Perry, Georgia, to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved nothing more than spending time with his family. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he was an active member of his local church, always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a word of encouragement. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Virginia Bates. Left to treasure the memories they made with Allen are his loving and devoted beloved wife, Juanita Bates of Perry, Georgia; his children, Renee Shelton (Chip) of Perry, Georgia, and Scott Bates (Rebecca) of Parker, Colorado; his cherished grandchildren, Jill Douglas, Daniel Douglas, Wendy Douglas, and Charlotte Douglas, Caleb Bates, Elise Bates, and Annie Bates; and his brother, Robert Bates (Cheryl) of Durham, California. Allen’s legacy of love, faith, and curiosity lives on in his family and all who were blessed to know him. Condolences for the family may be left in the online guestbook at www.watsonhunt.com. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Tributes

ALLEN RAY BATES

October 13, 1947 - April 2, 2025