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Bradley R. Bates, 51, of Climax, Ga., passed away Wednesday, November 2, 2022.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 4, 2022, at Climax Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Weaver officiating.  Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery with Eddie Erving, Jimmy Boyett, Jeff Enfinger, Trey McCall, James Spears, Eddie Josey, Pierce McCall, Tim Waltz, and Wayne Blanton serving as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.

Bradley Ree Bates was born February 1, 1971, in Bainbridge, Ga., the son of Bill & Shirley Phillips Bates. He was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1989. Brad married Denise Josey in 1992, and they made their home in Climax. Brad attended Climax Baptist Church and was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church.

Brad was that guy who “worked from can to can’t”; when not at his real job, he was in the shop or on the tractor. He gave 110% to every task and usually credited others for success. His nature was to help and that he did in ways many never knew about. Brad enjoyed hunting, fishing, and Bible study. Spending time with his family, especially those that called him “Pop”, was his most favorite thing, that and doing all that chomping when he was watching Florida Gators. Brad and his best friend, Denise, and his fur baby, Izzy, loved every minute playing in the dirt at the ball fields with the children and most recently riding the tractor or the buggy with the grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Denise Josey Bates; his children, Brandon Wyatt Bates (Tara) and Kimberley Brooke Davis (Zac); his grandchildren, Tinslee, Bradley, Weston, and Ellawyn; his siblings Reena Bates Alexander (Kenny), Greg Bates (Diane), and Donnis Bates; and his faithful canine companion, Izzy. Brad was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Andy Thorsby.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)