Funeral service with military honors for Mr. Carlton Jimmy Bates, 79, of Cullman will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Bethsadia Baptist Church with interment in the adjoining cemetery, Rev. Brian Calvert officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service.

Cullman Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.

Mr. Bates passed away Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at Hanceville Nursing and Rehab.  He was born June 7, 1947 to Feltus Carl & Lois Genett Thompson Bates.  He was a minister of the Gospel and his first church was in 1980 and was Beech Grove Baptist Church with many others to follow.  He and his wife, Sandra were house parents for the Cullman Girls' Home.  He loved bowling, camping, yardwork and really loved gospel music.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sandra Bates; three brothers, Elwin Bates, Sherrell Bates, Douglas Bates; sisters-in-law, Lynn Bates, Jeanie Bates.

Survivors include his daughters, Amanda Horton, Kim Bryant, Kristen Bates; brother, Kevin Bates; sister, Audrey Bates; grandchildren, Ashley Ralph (Chris), Kelly Tully (Adam), Eren Horton (Salma), Ryne Bryant (Madison), McKenna Bryant, Abram Clouse, Archer Clouse, great-grandchildren, Drew Ralph, Adora Ralph, Vera Hall, Valyn Hall, Allden Tully; and, a host of great-great grandchildren; family and friends.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.cullmanfuneralhome.com