Hattie Louise Tidwell Bates

Hattie Louise Tidwell Bates, age 84 of Thompson’s Station, TN passed away July 29, 2025. Louise was born in Hickman County, TN to the late George Elmon and Ruby Alline Dedman Tidwell.

Louise married Norman Barry Bates on December 31, 1958 and together they forged a blessed, loving and full life. Louise was the Director of the American Red Cross of Williamson County from 1975-1995, constantly building a better organization and tirelessly tending people affected by tragedy and loss, bringing families and service members together in times of crisis, and manning hundreds of Blood Drives. She was a truly devoted champion for the people who needed her.

Louise loved her “paradise on the hill” on Barker Rd in Thompsons Station, TN and her Burwood neighbors. She treasured her Faith in God and her Church congregation and her community at large. She had the kind of capacity that could love the world, a truly spiritual and unusual quality.

She was a creative and sparkly spirit who loved giving back in myriad ways over the years, consistently volunteering for many organizations, in most recent times for Meals on Wheels.

Louise was an avid rabbit hunter and loved and cared for many special beagle dogs (her “Babies” Sam, Rattler, Angel, Maggie, Slick and Patch) and animals throughout the years. She loved fishing and gardening and hummingbirds and being outside in nature.

She took great pleasure in all sports as anyone who knew her could attest. She was a dedicated Vanderbilt Fan through and through. She grew to love Baseball and began to follow the Atlanta Braves faithfully and with great gusto.

Louise was a nurturing, endless font of motherly love for her daughters and a loving and kind Nana to her precious flock of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, where she will be forever missed.

She goes now to shine that bright light of faith over all of her loved ones and spread her wings to help light the dark for all. We love her and will miss her and we will strive to carry on her legacy of love until we meet again someday.

Survived by: husband of 66 years, Norman B. Bates; daughters, Vicky (Chris) Hunter and Miki (Kyle) Peek; grandchildren, Dustin “Zeke” Hunter, Alex Hunter, Taegan (Kevin) Hill, Corey (Sarah) Peek and Justin (Kristi) Peek; great grandchildren, Maddox, Ryleigh, Reed, William, Sydney and Parker. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted 4:00 PM Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home with visitation two hours prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Spring Hill United Methodist Church www.springhillumctn.org or American Red Cross. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289 www.williamsonmemorial.com