Louis J. Pates

Louis Joseph Pates of Sandersville, MS, born March 11, 1926, died Thursday, October 2, 2014, at his residence. He was 88. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 5, 2014, at Memory Chapel with visitation to be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be at Pates Cemetery. Born to Henry Harrison and Alice Pates, he was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 57 years, Jessie Clair “Dago” Pates; sisters, Evelyn, Helen, and Sylvia; brothers, Frank, Edward, Henry, Ernie, and Robert; daughter, Barbra Dill; son, Jerry “Dough Boy” Pates; two grandchildren, Shane Tolbert and Neal Pates; two great grandchildren, Cole Lightsey and Ashley Mayo; and one great great grandchild, Talon Hickson. He is survived by his sister, Earnestine Rusk; daughter, Evelyn “Tee Tot” Pates; sons, Joe Pates and wife, Doris, and Barry Pates; grandchildren, Brandy Pates, Jason Pates, Angie Pates, John Pates and wife, Destiney, Britany Pryor and husband, Bryan, Sarah Gates, Brian Pates, Scotty Pates, Travis Pates, Charles King and wife, Gwen, Mike King and wife, Robin, and Tammy Mayo and husband, Robert. He is also survived by great grandchildren, Kelsie Mitchell, Conner Mitchell, Carter Mitchell, Hunter Lightsey, Kooper Pryor, Kamdyn Pryor, Reagan Pates, Amelia Pates, Brook Pates, Brandi Garcia, Jackson Carpenter, Rusty Carpenter, S. J. Pates, Kristie Lee Pates, Austin King, Kaitlyn King, Lexie King, Laken King, Amber Hickson, Lacy Mayo, Toot Toot Mayo, and Robert Wayne “Bubba” Mayo. His great great grandchildren are Olivia Garcia, Haley Marie Tolbert, and Trip Hickson. During the depression, he and his father and brothers traveled throughout the South, playing music, entertaining, and making a living to provide for their families. When he was eight years old he sang for Louie Armstrong and his band. He also was in a movie during World War II. He admired John Wayne, his favorite actor. He loved his family and sacrificed much. He will be greatly missed. Pallbearers will be John Pates, Scotty Pates, Brian Pates, Travis Pates, Earl Herrington, and Cosmo Alberto. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Pates and Bryan Pryor. Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Louis J. Pates

March 11, 1926 - October 2, 2014