Jamal Maurice Bates, age 38 of 209 Boulevard Street died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017 at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. Mr. Bates a native of Atlanta, Georgia, was born on June 15, 1979, to the late Kenneth Emanual Bates and Janice Smith Bates. He was educated in the Troup county school system.  Jamal was an avid Body Builder with a flair for helping others improve their health.  He was well liked by all who knew him, always with a big smile, a ready laugh and a helping hand. Jamal became a member of New Covenant Church in 2009, serving as Pastor’s Personal Assistant. Survivors include his mother, Janice Bates; His brother, Kente Emanual Bates of Portland, Oregon; two sons, Quantayvious Bates and Trey Bates, both of LaGrange; former wife, Susan Bates of Lagrange; two nieces, Nicolette and Corrina Bates of Oregon;  special friends, Tina Nelson, Betty Price, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Nelson, Tony and Patricia Ross and Christina Nelson and special friends, and Charita and Bennell Heard all of LaGrange and several other family and friends near and far.  Funeral services for Jamal Maurice Bates will be held on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, at noon at Mt. Gillard Baptist church at 119 Cedar Street.  Rev. Alford Booker will officiate with burial at Southview Cemetery. The family will receive friends at his home. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.westgeorgia mortuary.com.  West Georgia Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.