Julia Bates

Julia Elaine Bates

June 17, 1966 – May 27, 2023

Julia Elaine Bates (56) boarded the Heavenly Express on May 27, 2023 after a three year fight against colon cancer.

Born on June 17, 1966 in Pensacola, Florida, Julia moved a short time later with her family to Panama City, Florida. In 1987, while working as a hostess at the local Po Folks restaurant, Julia met a curly-haired fry cook with whom she fell in love. The rest, as they say, is history. This couple spent the next 35 years in a wonderful and loving marriage.

Julia underwent a number of promotions as the years progressed together with her husband. She went from wife, to mother, and finally was promoted to the title of “grandmother” (colloquially known to her grandchildren as “Gammy”). The love Julia had for her family proved to be quite fruitful as all of those she held most dear have gathered and waved goodbye to her as she heeded the call of the Heavenly Express as its conductor shouted, “All Aboard!”

Julia will be reunited with her mother, Neil and oldest brother, Hank, as they will be greeting her on the platform when the Heavenly Express pulls into the station.

Julia’s memory will always be treasured by her husband Greg, her children Jack (Sarah), Kate (Eric), Cecilia (Eric), and Carolyn (Jordan), her grandchildren Charlotte, Jonny, Lydia, Wyatt, and Olin as well as her father Harry and her siblings Dan (Liz), Maggie (Charlie), Genevieve (Susan), Charles, Terry (Luke), twin brother Jonathan (Sarah), Bill (Kim), and Amy (Chad).

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations be given in Julia’s memory to Hospice Care Options Foundation at https://hcoga.com/about/hospice-care-options-foundation/ or give to your local Hospice Organization.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Julia will be privately inurned at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.