Andrew Bates

Andrew T. “Tommy” Bates, 79, of Petal, passed away Monday, September 8, 2025 at his home.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 5 – 9 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home in Petal. A second visitation will be held Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 10 – 11 a.m. at Vision Baptist Church with services immediately following at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Morriston Cemetery.

Mr. Bates was a devoted member of Vision Baptist Church, faithfully attending and serving as an usher. He proudly served in the United States Army and retired from the Mississippi National Guard after more than 49 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed fishing, cheering on USM football, and especially looked forward to the last Saturday of each month, when he gathered with his brothers for a card game.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Bates; his first wife, Nellie Rose Bates; his son, Brandon Bates; one granddaughter, Alishia Bates; one brother, James Bates; and one sister, Annie L. Miller.

He is survived by his wife, F. Mae Bates; his son, Tony L. Bates, Sr.; one step-daughter, Susan Blackwell (Randall); one step-son, Daniel Faust; six grandchildren, Marc Bates, Tony Shane Bates, Jr., Domenique Bates, Josie Blackwell (Bobby Orr), Nick Faust, and Katie May Faust; one great grandson, Braden Orr; and four brothers, J.D. Bates, Donald Bates, Elliott Bates, and Larry Bates.