Timothy Earl Dates

Timothy Earl Dates was born March 11, 1947, to the late Mr. William N. Dates and Mrs. Juliette Dates in Vincent Alabama. He graduated from Shelby County Training School in 1965, and following in the Dates brothers' tradition, he soon joined the military. Tim entered the US Air Force at the height of the Vietnam War. He was fortunate to get the assignment of Photographer, which he was convinced was a position that enabled him to survive.

After being discharged from the military, Tim headed north to Detroit, Michigan. That proved to be the best move he could have made because it was in Detroit that he learned the truth of the Bible. His study set his life on a course of dedication to Jehovah God, and baptism on March 25, 1978. His choice greatly pleased his mother. He often said that his mother, Juliette Dates, was the first Jehovah's Witness he had ever known.

Tim progressed in his worship of Jehovah serving as a Ministerial Servant, then as an Elder. When he retired from his secular work, he was able to fulfill a cherished spiritual goal-serving in the full-time ministry as a Pioneer. He really valued his spiritual assignments, which also included participating in the prison ministry; but, he especially enjoyed the Pioneer Ministry. With Jehovah's help, he aided many to serve Jehovah.

Tim met and married the love of his life, Janice, on May 11, 1991. They shared 31 wonderful years together, serving Jehovah side by side. Tim provided a wonderful living for the family working as a computer programmer for the City of Birmingham, which allowed them to indulge in their shared love of travel, including visits to International Conventions in exotic locations.

Tim enjoyed photography. He was often seen at gatherings and family events with his camera in hand. He generously documented and shared photos of important events in the lives of many friends and family members. He will long be remembered as someone who was patient, loving, kind, and generous.

Tim is proceeded in death by his parents William and Juliette Dates, by his sisters Ruth Dates and Julie Franklin, and by his brother Aaron Dates.

Those left to cherish Tim's memory include his loving and devoted wife Janice Dates, his sister Miriam Dates of Birmingham, Alabama, his brother William (Annette) Dates, Jr. of Detroit, Michigan, his brother Elston (Cheri) Dates of Vestavia, Alabama, his son Wesley (Tiffany) Dates of Birmingham, Alabama, his beloved daughter, Connie (Carlos) Collins of McCalla, Alabama, his adopted nephew Rodney (R.C.) Dates, and by his dearly loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and by his nieces and cousins. 

Additionally, he will be missed by his very large international family of spiritual brothers and sisters.

A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 2:00 PM. A photo presentation will be at 1:45 PM. Brother Elliott Brown will be officiating. The Memorial Service will be on Zoom. Zoom Meeting ID# 886-1883-2608 and the Passcode: Dates

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