Donald Bates

Donald Wayne Bates, 74, went to be with the Lord, March 13, 2013 at Gaston Memorial Hospital. He is a native of Gastonia and son of the late Samuel Other Bates and Janie Elizabeth Stewart Bates. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean "Bobbie" McDonald Bates, two brothers, Rev. John Thomas Bates and Rev. Jimmy Wallace Bates. He worked in the Textile Industry as a salesman and was an employee at River View Inn Fish Camp. He served in the US Navy, during the Korean War, including a tour of duty in Japan. At one time in his military career, he and his brother Wallace served together on the same ship. Survivors: long time companion of 15 years, Patricia Arledge; sisters, Edna Champion, Nova Bolynn, Virginia Carpenter and her husband, Carl; sister in-law, Loretta Bates all of Gastonia; many loving nieces and nephews. He was a true sportsman, one who enjoyed the game of golf, with a reported seven holes in one. He participated on many invitational tournaments. He also loved deer hunting and tennis. A celebration of life service will be held 2 pm on Monday at Riverwood Worship Center, 1425 Neil Hawkins Rd., Gastonia, officiated by Revs. Danny Hoell and Rusty Stalvey Receiving of friends will be held 1-2 pm on Monday prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia, with honors by the Gaston County Honor Guard. Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia. A guest registry is available at greenefuneral.com