“Setting the New Standard for Funeral Service.”

NEWSLETTER

July 6, 2006

 

I never know where time goes.  Already, another month is gone and time keeps ticking on.  July 4^th, 2006, is now behind us and I count my blessings that everyone I know made it through safely.  The idea behind this newsletter is to let people know a little about my families personal life.  I also want to use it as a tool to communicate with people that visit our website.  In today’s society, more and more people communicate via the web and I see it as a tool to help enhance our business.  If you have thoughts, comments, suggestions, or questions, email me.

 

The last thirty days has been a series of ups and downs.  I have spent a lot of time with my Grandpa Johnny Bates.  Probably more time than I ever have.  I have truly enjoyed it, but the down side of it is that he is now in Locust Grove Care Center.  That is across the street and Will and Caleb love to go with me.  That man has stories!  He is proud of his “Bates Greats”!  He has 6 great grandsons and 1 great granddaughter.  My 2 boys represent the fourth generation of Bates’ to go through Locust Grove Public Schools.  Grandpa Johnny Bates, Pa-Pa Bucky Bates, myself, and now Will and Caleb.  Something kind of surreal, if only to me.

 

Our church, Exciting Southeast Baptist Church (Sportsman Acres), continues to see souls saved.  On the other side, we have seen a couple of members go on to be with Jesus.  Ticket Barnett and Joanie Durnal will be missed.  I have a feeling, though, that their lives may somehow serve as vessels to bring Christ into others lives.

 

My wife turns 30 on July 10^th.  If you read this, email her reminding her that her youth is fading fast.  This dry weather is getting worse and my water bill keeps going up.  So much in fact Beverly Connor called the other day to make sure we did not have a leak.  I am thankful for someone like Bev to take the time to notice something so small.

As I drive by the Leonard Yarbrough Stadium, I am starting to see more cars and trucks around there.  Football two-a-days are sure to be following.  I sure don’t miss those.  Coach Callison and Coach Heston always made them the best (note the sarcazim in my typing).  I think Locust Grove Public Schools miss these guys, not only as coaches, but as teachers and people!!  Good luck to the new coaches, maybe a “New Tradition” is around the bend.  I look forward to the coming season, as once again, I will follow Will to the old gridiron for little league football.

 

On a parting note, our funeral home is starting a new program for the families we serve through Heritage Makers.  We will incorporate it in our funeral services, but this program is really geared toward those people that work at scrapbooking.  Check them out at www.heritagemakers.com/200162.  It is a neat program.

 

By the way, I have talked to Jeri Fleming and I believe the Locust Grove Community Newspaper is going to be offered via subscription in the next little while.  Rates and such to follow, but stay tuned.  Email me if you are interested in subscribing.  Til next time----

 

 

May Gob Bless and Keep Each of You,

Shawn Bates

 

PS: If you want this newsletter emailed to you, let me know where to send it by clicking here.  I will keep archives of this newsletter on the website.