Johnny Bates

Johnny Morgan Bates, 74, departed this life, Friday, June 7, 2024, after a long illness. 

He was born on Nov. 9, 1949, to Greeley and Verna (Wright) Bates in Letcher County, Kentucky.

Johnny worked at Anchor Hocking Glass in Winchester for 43½ years in shipping. He married his wife, Mary LaVern Harrison Bates on Jan. 19, 1974. They were married for a little over 50 years. They had three beautiful children together. 

Johnny leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Mary; his children, Johnnie Marie (Rob) Bates and Richard Bates; mother-in-law Opal Williamson; grandchildren Kay-Tee (Aaron) Bryant, Jeremiah Loper, Alexis (Devon) Wirt, Courtlen (Melray) Holloway and Morgan Bates; great-grandchildren Raylen and Kyrie Tilson and Damion Bryant; brothers Paul, Danny (Anna), Greeley Jr. and Charlie; sisters Geneva (Steve) Walker, Delana (Bob) Etnyre, Dewana (Brian) Feltis and June (Luke) Hall; special niece Jennifer Kyla (Randy) Acker; and an abundance of cherished uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Johnny was preceded in death by his son, Wyatt Bates; two brothers, Jimmy and Tommy Bates; and his parents, Greeley and Verna (Wright) Bates.

A service to celebrate Johnny’s life will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024, at the Walker Funeral Home in Winchester, with the Old Regular Baptist Ministers officiating. Burial will follow at Fountain Park Cemetery in Winchester.

Friends and family may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. 

Memorials in Johnny’s name may be made to Autism Speaks, P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037-0148.  

Walker Funeral Home in Winchester is entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerswinchester.com.