Henry Allen Bates' Obituary
Henry Allen Bates was the beautiful son whom God graced to Emily Fuller Bates and Joshua Allen Bates on August 15, 2022. He decided to make a memorable entrance by being born on his mother’s birthday! He had challenges even before making his arrival, and certainly more than his share after. He was a fighter. Each challenge was accepted. His was not going to be an easy life. God knew that and called him home much earlier than expected. He passed from this life to his eternal home on February 27, 2023.
Although his time was brief, just six and a half months, Henry touched hundreds of lives in a positive and uplifting manner. His story was chronicled by his mother with regular updates on “Handsome Henry”, a nickname that he received just after birth. Her journaling and photos helped to foster an outpouring of love and prayers from others, but also demonstrated an extraordinary level of faith of his mom and dad. This testimony of faith also touched the lives of many. We have all been strengthened and challenged.
Although Henry may have never uttered his first word, he spoke through his beautiful blue eyes. They were windows into his soul. They glistened with strength. He loved to have his head rubbed and speak through those twinkling eyes. He spoke through his smile and his squeezable little cheeks. He could melt a heart with just a grin…and the occasional tongue poke! He spoke through his grip on your finger. There was strength in that little grip. You could feel his fighting spirit. Words aren’t always needed for understanding. Henry spoke in ways that simply required a different level of listening.
Henry is survived by his parents, Emily and Josh, by his grandparents, Ron and Kimberly Fuller, and John and Bonnie Bates, by his great-grandparents, Dan and Kathy Abernathy and Ruth Vaughn, his aunt and uncle, Lauren and Ricky Dufrene, his uncles Andrew, Michael, Shawn Bates and aunts Sarah, Jessie and Hailey Bates, his cousins Kai, Leia and Noa Dufrene, as well as, Dallas, Jazmine, Thomas, Olivia, Konner, Madelyn and Zoey Bates and a wonderful extended family on both sides.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to all the family, friends and medical staff who loved on Henry. You prayed with us, you cried with us, and you encouraged us. It was felt during each step on this road. It also serves as a reminder to love on those whom God has placed in your lives. May He be glorified in each of you!
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that any donations could be made directly to Emily and Josh to help with the considerable medical expenses or to a charity of your choice, in the name of Handsome Henry Bates.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at Westside Baptist Church, 10000 West Newbery Road, with Dr. David Chaucey. Please click on the live stream link below to view the service https://vimeo.com/event/2999688/e3a2ee83a1.
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