Freddie Talmage Bates Sr. of Batesville, AR passed away Wednesday April 24, 2019 at the age of 70. Freddie was born in Brooks, Georgia on April 30, 1948 to John and Rachel (Chambers) Bates. Freddie was described as the "cornerstone" of his family and was truly, deeply loved and cherished. Freddie enjoyed many hobbies such as fishing and hunting but mostly he was best known in the community for being the man to go to for produce at the local Farmers Market. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Junior Chambers, Bill Chambers, Frank Chambers, Fernie Bates, and John Douglas Bates Jr., and one sister Frances Bates Johnson. He is survived by his significant partner in life : Catherine M. Fletcher, two sons, Freddie T. Bates Jr. (Newark, AR), and J.D. Kinnard (Molena, GA), his daughter Phyllis Thystrup (New Smyrna Beach, FL), one sister Barbara Goss (Griffin, GA), 6 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Services are entrusted to Willis Funeral Service with pending funeral arrangements at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home in Griffin, GA