SUNRISE

I was born on December 22, 1947, to the late James Thomas Bates Jr. (known as Junior Bates) and Mary Bertha Bates in Taliaferro County, Georgia. I was the youngest of seven children. Two brothers (Willie and Gordon) preceded me in death along with Melvin and Lonnie.

 

Gordon and I joined Greater Level Hill Baptist Church during revival service in August 1959, and I have remained a member ever since. However, while not in Crawfordville every Sunday, I attended New Life Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia. When I am deceased, I wish to be buried next to my mother and brother, Gordon.

 

EDUCATION

In September 1953, I followed the footsteps of my siblings and enrolled at the Level Hill Elementary School -- a one-room building on the same grounds as our church.  School life here was very typical of life in the rural south in the ’50s and ’60s. In January 1966, I enrolled in Booker T. Washington High School, and upon graduating, I then enrolled in DeKalb Junior College. In 1969, I transferred to Fort Valley State University. On March 12, 1971, I graduated from Fort Valley, and just 12 days later, was drafted in the U.S.  Army.

 

After returning from Vietnam, I was accepted into Atlanta Law School in March 1974. In 1977, I am proud to say, I graduated with my Juris Doctorate. This degree allowed me opportunities I never dreamed possible for a Black man from Level Hill.  This was just the beginning – I traveled extensively in Europe (Italy, Greece, Finland, Germany, France, and London); Australia, and the Netherlands.

 

CAREER

The highlight of my career began in 1985 as Deputy Director of the Democratic Party of Georgia. In 1988, I joined the Georgia Department of Labor. In 1990, I joined Governor Zell Miller’s senior team as Executive Assistant for Community Relations. When Governor Bill Clinton began his presidential bid in 1992, Governor Miller’s executive staff participated in the grassroots campaign. I was fortunate to meet President Clinton at his 1993 inauguration.

 

After 31 years in state and local government, I retired from the Department of Technical and Adult Education. I am forever grateful to those individuals who helped me along the way. There are far too many to name. These words: “If you ever see a turtle sitting on a fencepost, you know he did not get there by himself, somebody had to help him” exemplify my life.

 

FAMILY

On Oct. 23, 1971, I married Shirley Davenport, my high school sweetheart. Although the union did not last, we remained friends.

 

I did not have any biological children of my own. However, I have two nieces that I raised as if they were my very own: Teresa and Angela. I am convinced the Lord places people in our lives for various reasons. And for all the young people who I love and who are not my biological children, hold in your heart knowing you brought much joy and comfort to my life.

 

I love my family immensely. My brothers Howard, Fred, Charles and I were more than brothers -- we were friends. My sister is more than my sister. Dot was like my mother and my confidant. I love her more than she loves me, if that is possible.

 

Sadie and Florene, you are more than sisters-in-law, you are my sisters. Flo, thank you for the home cooked dinner every Sunday. Betty, Lillie Sue, and Cynthia you are so special to me. Jimmie, for the last 40 years, you have been a part of our family and you, too, have been like a brother to me. Terry, although our time together was brief, it seems as though we had a lifetime. To “The Boys,” thank you being with me on this journey. Wilhelmina and Lillian, I love you, both.

 

I have so many family members (nieces, nephews, cousins) and friends whom I love and will love for eternity. Please know you meant more to me than words could ever convey.

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SUNSET / REFRAIN

On Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, Frank looked to the heavenly hills from whence cometh his help. He grabbed hold of the Rod and Staff that comforts.