Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

Lonnie "Sonny" Creighton Bates passed away peacefully at home on February 16, 2021. Sonny was born on June 13, 1933 in Hanna, LA to Nora Allen Bates and Lyman Creighton Bates. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth and husband Richard Stevens. and Beth and husband John Starnes. He is also survived by nieces. Pam Tomme, Kathy and husband Dave Young and nephew Jimmy Shirley.

At the age of 15 after losing his father to an accident, Sonny became very close with Mary Evelyn and Orlean Jowers. Orlean spent time with Sonny helping him with ball playing as well as hunting and fishing. So...