JAMES "HOLLIS" BATES, age 76, of Winchester, departed this life suddenly on Friday, October 30, 2020, at STRHS Winchester.  Mr. Hollis was born in Estill Springs, Tenn., to the late Aubrey Tony Bates and Cleo Tucker Bates on November 29, 1943. He is a member of the Pentecostal faith.  Mr. Hollis was employed for 25 years at the former Wilson Sporting Goods in Tullahoma. He was known as a very talented musician.  He could play several different instruments and enjoyed playing his guitar for relaxation.  His favorite music to play and sing were gospel songs including Elvis.  He would often play his guitar when he arrived home at night while Mrs. Delorris was cooking their meal. He will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hollis was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Amber Renee Stevens.  He is survived by his wife of 55 years,  Delorris Bates of Winchester, Children; Cindy Walton and husband, Jeff of Tullahoma, Ricky Bates and wife, Laura of Estill Springs, Steve Bates and wife, Renee of Tullahoma, Christy Holler and husband, Ronnie of Estill Springs, 12-Grandchildren; Chad Walton and wife, Tiffany, Kyle Walton and wife, Jessica, Greg Bates and wife, Annie, Leslie Jones and husband, Dalton, April Wood and husband, Wesley, Nikki Bates, Brandon Bates, Emily Bates, Hayden Holler, Zack Bates, Gavin Holler, and Emily Coker.  5-Great-grandchildren; Tyler Walton, Paige Walton, Peyton Walton, Logan Bates and Winston Wood. Sisters; Ailene Medley of Tinley Park, Ill. and Evelyn Brewer of Eustus, Fla.

Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services with Bishop Malcolm Gardner, officiating. Visitation for Mr. Hollis is scheduled for 12:00 Noon Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services until service time at 3:00.

Interment will follow at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 2, at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.