Unseen July Birthdays photos

 In the month of July, The Bates have two double birthdays. The first one is Kelton and Papa Bill. As many of you know that Papa Bill passed away in May 2025 so this year marked his first birthday in heaven.

Papa Bill would have celebrated his 87th Birthday while Kelton celebrated his 30th birthday.

The second one is with William and Willow.

Willow celebrated her 6th birthday while William celebrated his 1st birthday.

Papa Bill's funeral

Today marks a hard day for the Bates family as they prepare to celebrate the life of Papa Bill Bates and Here is a little bit about him! 

Papa Bill was born on July 4, 1938, to his parents Clarence Gilvin and Sarah Brown Bates. He married Mama Jane on May 24, 1964. Next Saturday (May 24th) would have marked their 61st wedding anniversary. The couple went on to have three children, two boys (Gil and Greg) and one daughter (Jennifer).

His life was full of giving wise counsel and encouragement along with carrying toddlers on his shoulders. Papa Bill served in the Army national Guard. One of his favorite past times was dancing with Mama Jane. He would later celebrate his birthday with his granddaughter's husband, Kelton when he married into the family.

He is survived by his wife, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren! 

Updated July Birthdays cover

Now that William has arrived, we can share our updated July Birthdays! There is also a new double birthday. Willow and William share a birthday.

Fourth of July 2024

 We hope that you have a wonderful Fourth of July! We also want to wish Papa Bill and Kelton a very happy Birthday.

Kelton is celebrating his 29th birthday while Papa Bill is celebrating his 86th birthday.

July Birthdays cover

July is in a few days and that means that it's time to release our July Birthdays cover. 

New photos of Papa Bill, Kelly, and Gil

We have two new photos of Papa Bill with Kelly and Gil Bates.

We have a new photo of Papa Bill to share with you all.

Birthdays for Kelton and Papa Bill

Happy Birthday to Kelton and Papa Bill! 

Spending time with grandparents

Brandon and Michaella spent time with Mama Jane and Papa Bill during the past week.

The couple said that they had a wonderful time with the grandparents while making new memories and meeting Papa Bill's newborn calves.

Four generations

Four generations of the Bates men! 

Kelton and Papa Bill

Happy Birthday Kelton and Papa Bill! Kelton is turning 27 years old

We also want to wish you a very Happy Fourth of July

Fourth of July

The Bates have returned to Papa Bill and Mama Jane's house for Fourth of July. This is the first time that Layla has gone to the farm due to COVID. Fourth of July holds a special place in the Bates family because it's also Kelton and Papa Bill's birthdays. 

We hope that you all had a wonderful Fourth of July. We also hope that Papa Bill had a wonderful birthday.