Tommy Edward Bates, born Oct. 7, 1955, at Perrin Air Force Base in Denison, Texas, to the parentage of George T. Bates Jr. and Millie Bonney Tucker, passed into the arms of God on Friday, July 12, 2019, at the age of 63.

He attended Pine High School and later obtained his GED after entering the U.S. Army. He spent his military career serving at Fort Polk Louisiana, Fort Leonard Wood Missouri, Korea and Germany. Following his military service, he found his niche in the trucking industry as a driver. He traveled the United States, Canada, and Mexico during his second career.

He was a longtime member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where he attended as often as he was home from the road.

He is a widower and the father of three children and the grandfather of five grandchildren.

He is survived by his father, two brothers, two daughters, five grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are as follows: visitation is Wednesday, July 17, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, with the service at 2 p.m. and interment to follow at Seal Cemetery in Varnado.

Cook-Richmond Funeral Home in Bogalusa is in charge of arrangements.