Flozell C. Bates

On Friday, October 11, 2024, Flozell C. Bates answered the Heavenly call and passed away peacefully at home at the age of 99 years, 7 months, and 8 days.

Fondly known to family and friends as PAPA, F.C., Bates, 602, and UNC. He was born to Charlie Clifton and Lillie Victoria (Higgenbotham) Bates, in Peoria, MS. He attended Europe Bates School, named after his Grandfather, in Magnolia, MS. Mr. Bates married Helena Taylor in Centralia, and they were married for over 50 years until she preceded him in death in 2004. He later married Glenda (Bufkin) Lee in 2009 at Second Missionary Baptist Church in Centralia, and she survives him.

Mr. Bates confessed Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Second Missionary Baptist Church at the time of his passing. He served as Trustee, kitchen committee and treasurer of the building fund. He was a choir member that never sung in the choir but attended every rehearsal for many years and we’re sure he knew every song. Mr. Bates was active in his community, and a member of the Grecian Club. He loved and enjoyed his children and grandchildren. His slogan was “PAPA’s my name, spoiling my game”! Mr. Bates was a proud United States Army Veteran, serving in Pearl Harbor during World War II. He was an expert marksman and member of the Rifle Club. He loved to spend the day on the water catching fish and then preparing them for a big fish fry. He was also skilled on the Barbeque grill. Mr. Bates had a passion for basketball, especially for the Centralia Orphans. He was a die hard Orphan fan since the late 1940’s and a season ticket holder until the time of his declining health. In 2011, he was inducted into the Centralia Sports Hall of Fame as Mr. Flozell Bates – V.I.P. Mr. Bates was a true gentleman, well respected, loyal and a man of integrity. The family always looked forward to being entertained by his witty character, with quotes and slogans and words of wisdom. Mr. Bates was a hard worker and always provided for his family. He was employed with the Illinois Central Railroad for Thirty-two years as a machinist until he retired.

In addition to his wife, Flozell leaves to cherish his memory three loving daughters, Irene Young (John), Lisa Jones (Vernon-deceased), Rowena Johnson Patrick (Matthew II-deceased), and one son, Garland Johnson (Barbara-deceased) all of Centralia; daughter-in-love, Vickie Bates of Pontiac, Michigan; three bonus children, Timothy H. Lee, Tekoa L. Lee and Benjamin Glen Lee all of Centralia; one sister, Carrie B. James (George-deceased) of Alexandria, VA; a legacy of thirty-five grandchildren; forty-three great-grands; and seven great-great-grands; six favorite sister-in-loves and a host of nieces, nephew, cousin and friends.

Mr. Bates was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helena Bates; grandparents; son, Glenn R. (Shorty) Bates; seven siblings, Clifton Bates, Allen B. Bates, Ivory L. Bates, Hazel Bates, Velma Lewis, Wilma Abrams, and Vivian P. Bates; two grandsons, Vernon B. Jones Jr., and Mark Patrick; two granddaughters, Michelle Simmons and Myra Simmons; one great-granddaughter, Loxianna Moore; two great-grandsons, Mack Calek Herron and Christoff Spann and a mother-in-love, Mary Taylor; along with many other beloved family members.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, at City Hope Church in Centralia with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon with services immediately following. Mr. Bates Services have been entrusted to Irvin Macz Funeral Home and they may be contacted for information. Online condolences and memories of Flozell may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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