Billy Michael Bates

Billy Michael Bates was born November 17, 1953 in Ft. Bliss Army Hospital in El Paso, TX to Billy Joe and Julia Ann (Judy Franklin) Bates. Mike was born again on December 15, 1991, giving his life to Christ and redirecting his life's purpose to spreading God's Word. He passed from this life Monday, December 1, 2025, surrounded by family in Oklahoma City, at the age of 72.
Mike's parents moved several times in his childhood as his father worked on municipal utility projects across Texas and Mississippi. The family settled in Jefferson County in 1965, allowing Mike and his brother Dale to make lasting friendships for the first time. Bill helped oversee the construction of facilities at Elliott Manufactured Homes. Mike, Dale, and his family ran a rafter shop in Addington, OK, among many other family ventures. Mike ended up in the trucking business, first as an owner operator, and then driving for Henry Hoffman, Leaseway, and finally SAIA, where he spent 25 years, retiring in 2020.

After Mike devoted his life to Christ, God brought Peggy into his life. Mike and Peggy (Johnson) Fontaine were married August 21, 1992, at Irving Baptist Church. They made their home in the Irving Community and attended Addington Baptist Church. Mike became deeply involved in the church, eventually becoming ordained as a Deacon in Addington.
In 2013. Mike was blessed to become Pastor of Irving Baptist Church. He took every opportunity to witness for the Lord and to share God's love, hope, and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Mike's powerful testimony allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life, understanding their struggles and offering the grace he himself had experienced. His greatest desire was for everyone he met to know Christ as he did.
He will be missed by his family, his church family, and all who knew him.

Mike is survived by his wife Peggy; son, Conrad and wife Melissa of Edmond, OK; brother, Dale Bates and wife Jill of Waurika; nieces Kristi Bates Hall and husband Bo of Duncan, OK, Ashley Zurel and husband Joshua of Oklahoma City; uncle, Jimmy Don Bates and wife Sherry of Duncan; numerous cousins, members of his Irving and Addington church families whom he considered brothers and sisters, fellow pastors, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and his dear friend Ricky Eugene Miller.
Funeral service for Mr. Bates will be Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11:00AM at Irving Baptist Church with Eric Bayer and Micky Miller officiating. Interment will be in the Addington Cemetery under the direction of Dudley Funeral Home in Waurika. Visitation will be from 5-7PM Friday at Dudley Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Irving Baptist Church, KMOC, Charis Center, or the Ryan or Waurika Ministerial Alliance.