Wilbur “Pop Bates” Bates, 91, of Lula, died Monday, June 16, 2008.
Born in Hall County, he was the son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth “Bell” Bates and was Baptist. He was a poultry farmer in his early years and later retired from Gainesville Mill. He loved to spend free time with his family, going fishing, and working in his garden, loved ones stated. Mr. Bates was preceded in death by brothers, Harold, J.B., Cliff and Benny Bates; sisters, Mary Lois Hart and Ethel Poole; a son, Michael Bates; and great-grandson, James Carlton Smith.
Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Viola Baugh Bates, Lula; daughters and sons-in-law, Marie and Otis Grindle and Betty Ann and Junior Campbell, all of Lula; sons and daughters-in-law, the Rev. Carlton Bates and Ellen Bates, Billy and Romona Bates, all of Lula; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Thursday, June 19, at Whitehall Baptist Church with the Rev. Melvin Baugh officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Little Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.
‘Pop Bates’
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