Irene "Nanny" Cox Bates

Irene Cox “Nanny” Bates, age 96, went home to her Savior January 15, 2015. She was a member of Lincoln Park Baptist Church. She retired from Sears Department Store where she worked in the children’s clothing department, helping dress several generations of Knoxvillians. Nanny was an avid sports fan. She loved to watch the Braves and UT football on TV and she always had the Fulton Football game on the radio on Friday nights. Until recent years, Nanny would be on the sidelines cheering on her grand and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband William C. “Dub” Bates Sr. and son-in-law Calvin Browning. She left behind her son William C. “Bill” Bates Jr. (Joyce); daughter Gail Browning; special grandchildren Michael Bates (Karen), Kathy Beeler (Andy), Stephen Bates (Ashley), Jeff Browning (Michelle), Ryan Browning (Jill); great grandchildren, Logan, Samantha, Baleigh, and Wousamy Bates, Tyler Bates (Hali), Brett and Brock Browning, Andrea and Bryce Beeler, Cora and Luke Browning; great great-grandchildren Zaydyn and Keelyn Bates; sister-in-law, Nell Brooks; and brother-in-law Jim (Jean) Bates. She will be sadly missed by Scoobie, Ruby, Charlie, and Booger. Family and friends will meet 10:45am Monday at Lynnhurst Cemetery for 11am graveside with Rev. Tim Parker officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to “Fulton Football Boosters”, 2509 N. Broadway Knoxville, TN 37917, in memory of Irene “Nanny” Bates, or to Salem Baptist Church, 8201 Hill Road, Knoxville, TN 37938, or Clear Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, Corryton. Family will receive friends 4-7pm Sunday at Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel.