Emmitt S. Bates

By Staff
August 7, 2008
Emmitt Sherman Bates, 76, of Russellville died at home peacefully Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008.
A 1950 graduate of Phil Campbell High School, he earned his bachelor's of education from Florence State University in 1953 and master's degree from Florence State University in 1969.
Mr. Bates was an educator with the Franklin County School System for 38 years. He served as classroom teacher at Tharptown Junior High School, principal at Waco and TJHS, assistant principal at Phil Campbell High School, Neighborhood Youth Corps director and supervisor of instruction and assistant superintendent of Franklin County Schools. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Russellville, where he served in many leadership positions, most recently as teacher for the fellowship Sunday school class.
Visitation was held Aug. 9 at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville. The funeral followed in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Alan Beasley, Clinton Busler, Mickey Davis, Waymon Fike and David Martin officiating with the burial in Franklin Memory Gardens.
He was preceded in death by parents Robert Clum and Molly Jane Bates; sister, Lorene (Orb) Nix; brothers, Lee (Polly) Bates, Owen (Inez) Bates, James (Christine) Bates, Lloyd Bates, Ellis Bates and Nolan Bates.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Ann (Gentry) Bates, daughter Molly Ann Bates of Russellville; grandsons, Fred (Cassie) Martinez of Metairie, La.; Chris (Lindsay) Martinez of Sheffield; great-granddaughter Rebecca Martinez of Hatton; niece, Aulene (David) Martin of Nashville; nephews, Mickey (Veronica) Davis of Danville; Casey Marston of Leoma, Tenn.; Bob (Ann) Bates of Thomasville, Ga.; many cousins; and a host of friends.
Pallbearers were Fred Martinez, Chris Martinez, Waymon Fike, John Bagwell Jr., Jimmy Thompson and Howard Marston. The fellowship Sunday school class of First United Methodist Church served as honorary pallbearers.
Sherman loved helping others. He was a source of inspiration and guidance for his family and friends.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to Waymon and Barbara Fike, Hospice of the Shoals for the loving care they provided and to their friends and church family for their prayers and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Russellville First United Methodist Church Help Fund, 311 N. Jackson Ave., Russellville, AL 35653 or Hospice of the Shoals, 115 Fairground Rd., Florence, AL 35630.
Jerry L. Sutherland
August 7, 2008
Jerry Lafayette Sutherland, 55, of Phil Campbell died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008 at Russellville Hospital.
Mr. Sutherland had lived his entire life in Franklin County and was a retired drywall hanger. He attended the Phil Campbell Church of God.
The funeral service was held Aug. 9 at Pinkard Funeral Home Chapel in Russellville with Roger Risner and Stephanie Peyregne officiating. Burial was in Littleville Cemetery in Haleyville.
Mr. Sutherland is survived by daughters, Stephanie Peyregne, Amelia Sutherland and Valeria Sutherland, all of Mobile; brothers, Larry Sutherland of Phil Campbell, Michael Sutherland of Phil Campbell, Terry Sutherland of Benton, Ky., Allen Sutherland of Phil Campbell and Mark Plunkett of Phil Campbell; sister, Regina Plunkett of Phil Campbell; two grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Larry Sutherland, Michael Sutherland, Terry Sutherland, Allen Sutherland, Mark Plunkett and Joey Motes.
Honorary pallbearer was Fabian Sutherland.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lafayette and Essie Motes Sutherland.
Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville assisted the family.