Mr. Ralph M. Bates, 62, of McComb, MS, passed from this life on Friday, July 5, 2019, at Post-Acute Medical Center in Hammond, LA.  He was born on June 9, 1957, in McComb, MS, to Dorothy McKee Bates and Vernon Bates. He was a member of Progress Baptist Church, but had recently been attending Central Baptist Church in McComb, MS; and enjoyed anything outdoors, going to Wal-Mart, and spending time with family and friends. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, fiancé, and friend.

Preceding him in death was his sister, Betty Sue Bates McGehee.

Survivors are his mother, Dorothy Bates of McComb, MS; father, Vernon Bates; fiancé, Sherry Furtick of McComb, MS; step-children, Erin Furtick, and David Furtick and wife Duffy; step-grandchildren, Katlyn Furtick, and Kelsi Hiles; and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, MS, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM with burial to follow in the Progress Cemetery in McComb, MS.  Dr. David Millican will be officiating the services with Catchings-Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of Deaconess Home Health & PAM Specialty Hospital, and to Russanna and Don Lindley.