“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
~Philippians 4:6 (NLT)~
Fernie Lamar Bates
July 08, 1942 – September 02, 2021

Fernie Lamar Bates, 79, left this earth to be with his Lord on September 2, 2021. Born July, 8, 1942, he was a resident of Kentwood, La and lived his entire life in St. Helena Parish. He married his wife, Carolyn McNabb Bates, on November 24, 1961 and was married to her for 57 years. He retired from the Louisiana Department of Transportation after being employed with them for nearly thirty years. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a friend to many. Some of his favorite past times were sitting on the porch drinking coffee with friends and running rabbit and fox dogs. There is no doubt that he has been reunited with his beautiful wife in his heavenly home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn McNabb Bates; parents, Herman and Lillie Belle Frazier Bates; siblings, Dorothy Bates Day, Vera Bates Allatto, and infant brother J.W. Bates. He is survived by his two sons, Timothy and wife Laura, Johnny and wife Maria; three grandchildren Barrett (Becky), Lance (Kortnie), and Chelsea; five great grandchildren, Alyvia, John David, Kynlie, Rylee, and Cooper; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Graveside Services will be held at New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA at 3:00PM Monday, September 6, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Bill Galloway and Rev. Donnie Easley. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – September 3
1 CHRONICLES 8:29-9:1
DANIEL 4:1-37
EZEKIEL 40:1-37
Life has been different this past week due to Hurricane Ida. Thanks to all the linemen, churches, neighbors, restaurants, fire departments, nurses, businesses, disaster relief, etc. who have gone out of their way for the rest of us. I don’t know how long we will be without power, but David and I have made adjustments and are making the most of the circumstances. Some say “Make lemonade from lemons”. Check on neighbors and friends. Pay kindnesses forward. Be appreciative of linemen who are working long hard hours in awful conditions. Share what you have. We’ll get through this. Be safe and smart! Love one another!
Anna Lee