Bringing Up Bates star Papa Bill has won the hearts of many due to his playful personality. Fans have seen his life with Mama Jane on the family’s reality show. However, his life deteriorated in recent years due to dementia. It was previously revealed that he was in hospice care. But some fans recently learned devastating news that Papa Bill had passed away. Keep reading to see the heartbreaking news.

Bringing Up Bates: Katie Bates Reveals Papa Bill’s Condition

Last week, Katie took to YouTube to share a vlog featuring her visit to Mama Jane and Papa Bill in South Carolina. It was an emotional moment as Katie had to introduce herself many times to Papa Bill, who kept on forgetting who she was due to his dementia. Moments later, Katie revealed that Papa Bill is now in hospice care as his condition worsens.

The Bringing Up Bates star was also shocked by how her grandfather’s dementia progressed so fast. Katie also revealed that the family put up photos of Papa Bill’s grandkids on the wall so he could be reminded of them more often, but he ended up asking who they were every time he saw the pictures. Sadly, it was recently discovered that Papa Bill had passed.

Papa Bill Dies At 86

Some fans on social media discussed the heartbreaking passing of Papa Bill. Nobody from the Bates family has yet to confirm Papa Bill’s passing. But the OP discovered an obituary stating that the Bringing Up Bates star died at the Rainey Hospice House on May 13, 2025.

The obituary also includes a summary of Papa Bill’s life and how he impacted many people around him. The obituary also states that the funeral service will be held on May 18, 2025, at Trinity Methodist Church, South Carolina. Papa Bill’s son, Gil Bates, will also officiate the funeral. A livestream funeral service will also be held by the funeral home.

• “May he rest in peace.”
• “I wish peace and comfort to the entire Bates family at this time. Interesting that “one of Bill’s great joys was dancing”.”
• “Rest in peace Papa Bill. I feel so bad for Jane going through this while also battling cancer 💔”
• “I’m kinda surprised he passes away two days ago and nobody has posted yet.”
• “Feel for Jane right now he lived an amazing life.”
• “Oh no, poor papa bill may he rest in peace, feel for Jane right now.”

Bringing Up Bates: The Bates Family Remains Silent

Gil and Kelly Jo Bates have yet to confirm if Papa Bill had died. Several married couples are still posting positive content with their children today, which is an odd thing to do if Papa Bill had passed. Some Bringing Up Bates fans speculate that the family may reveal the heartbreaking news at Papa Bill’s funeral service. One of Kelly Jo’s latest posts was a birthday message for her grandson, Charles.

Kelly Jo has also made an emotional Mother’s Day post for Mama Jane, who’s currently battling cancer. She previously asked for prayers for her 5-week radiation treatment.