Benjamin Andrew Bates

Benjamin "Benny" Andrew Bates, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born on Sunday, December 12, 1943, in St. Tammany, Louisiana, the son of the late Joseph Harry Bates Sr. and the late Florence Irene Perilloux Bates.

Benny worked as a pest control specialist until his retirement, but his love for the outdoors led him to his next purpose in life: caring for and feeding wild animals, especially the raccoons that found their way to him. He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. He was known for his sense of humor and his famous saying, “Don’t get old,” a phrase that will surely bring smiles and memories to those who knew and loved him.

Benny is survived by his sister, Julia Bates; brother, Joseph Harry Bates, Jr. (Virginia Ferrante); nephew, Barry Joseph Bates; nieces, Vicki Bates McCoy (Victor), Becki Bates Starkey (Douglas), and Jessica Paige Tate.

In addition to his parents, Benny was preceded in death by his brother, Emery "Ray" Bates, and niece, Terri Ann Bates.

The funeral services will be held privately by the family.