John Borden Bates, Jr.

John Borden Bates Jr, a resident of Williston, Tennessee in Fayette County, passed away January 30, 2023 at the age of 71. Visitation for family and friends was held at Peebles West Funeral Chapel on Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 2 to 4 P.M.

Born and raised in Grenada, Mississippi, Johnny was the son of the late Annie Louise Haley and John Borden Bates Sr. He attended John Rundle High School in Grenada and Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. Johnny worked for many years in Grenada and Memphis as a carpenter specializing in the renovation of antebellum homes. Johnny was also a very talented wood turner and spent numerous hours creating beautiful pieces of art in his wood shop. He loved classic rock and prided himself on his extensive music trivia; he loved to quiz his children and friends with little known facts about artists and albums.

The biggest joys of his life were his daughters Julianna and Elise and his three grandchildren Borden, Molly, and Berkeley. He was known to his grandchildren as Pop and could always be counted on to provide them with the latest fashion items and unlimited amounts of toys. After he became disabled, his happiest moments were having a grandchild on his lap ordering any toys they pointed out on Amazon and eBay. He also deeply loved his prized chihuahuas Minnie, Biscuit, and Bucket, as well as his cats and mini donkeys. He spent his last years traveling the South and antique hunting with his wife Robin. Together, they would restore what they found in their side-by-side art and woodworking shops.

Johnny was preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his brother Robert C. Bates. He is survived by his wife Robin Lillard Bates, sister Dianne Bates Biddy (Robert “Bobby” Biddy), and daughters Julianna Ellen Bates and Ruth Elise Bates (Eugene “Trey” Franklin Caldwell III). As well as the above-mentioned grandchildren, he is survived by numerous beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves behind many lifelong friends and extended family members in Grenada who were dear to his heart, as well as countless childhood friends of his daughters’ that he considered his own.