Wayne Milam Bates

Mrs. Wayne Elizabeth Bates, 86, of Huntsville, passed away on Sunday.

She worked for 39 years for First National Bank/First Alabama Bank/Regions Bank in Huntsville.  She was a 1948 graduate of Hazel Green High School where she was involved in cheerleading.   She was the matriarch of her family and was truly an angel on earth.    After retiring, she enjoyed traveling and loved gospel music.

She was married to Robert Milam in 1949.  He then preceded her in death in 1998.    She was also preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Alma Patterson, her daughter, Susan Milam, and her son, Robert "Bob" Milam Jr;  Her grandson, Justin Milam, her granddaughter, Shawna Milam, her sisters, Doris Kilpatrick, Faith Hathcock, Paula Garrison, her infant brother, Guerlan Patterson, and several nieces and nephews.

Surviving family members include her husband of 17+ years, Hollis "Sonny" Bates;  Her son, Randy Milam and his wife, Gayle;  Her daugher-in-law, Debbie Milam;  Her step-daughters, Pam Howell, Kim Horne, Terry Panter; Her sister, Gussie Jones; Her brothers, Ronnie, Ted, Gary, and Phil Patterson.  Her grandchildren:  Connie Cowan, Stephanie Bell, Amanda Worley, Kerrie Enzer, Courtney Milam, Leeanne Ledbetter, and Vikki Boyett.  She is also survived by several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a number of friends.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6 until 8pm at Hazel Green Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be Thursday at 2pm at the funeral home with Rev. Janelle Tucker and Rev. Mickey Jett officiating.  Burial will follow in Charity Cemetery.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.