Graveside service for James Arnold Bates, 86, of Gardendale, will be at 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2025, at Bowman's Chapel Cemetery, Bro. Delbert Freeman officiating. The family will receive friends from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

Cullman Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.

Mr. Bates was born on December 7, 1938, to Coy and Bessie Leona Blackwood Bates. He married his wife Geraldine on December 2, 1967. Mr. Bates served as military police in the U.S. Army and was a sales rep for Harvey Ragland Wholesale. He retired from W.L. Petrey Company.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, W.C. Buddy Bates.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Geraldine Bates; sister, Linda (Paul) Silvers; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Bowman's Chapel Cemetery Fund.

Pallbearers will be Paul Silvers, Randy Bates and Jeff Griffin, Marty Speegle, Robert Bates and Brandon Speegle, with honorary pallbearers Elwin Speegle, Dale Neel, Bill Griffin, Bill Tomlin, Will Tomlin, Clay Tomlin, and Kevin Speegle.