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GASTONIA - 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, the Rev. John Thomas Bates and the 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 U.S. 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 include long time companion of 15 years, Patricia Arledge; sisters, Edna Champion, Nova Bolynn, Vir-ginia Carpenter and her husband, Carl; sister-in-law, Loretta Bates, all of Gastonia; and many loving nieces and neph-ews.
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 p.m. Monday at Riverwood Worship Center, 1425 Neil Hawkins Road, Gastonia, officiated by the Revs. Danny Hoell and Rusty Stalvey.
Receiving of friends will be held 1-2 p.m. 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Fond memories of you and working with you at the Riverview Inn - Miss You, Bob and Sally Parker
March 21, 2013
Dear Uncle Wayne,
I have so many fond memories of you. You were such a special man and I will truly miss you. I am so thankful for our last days together and will always cherish that time.
You are with our precious family in Heaven now and I know Daddy was so happy to see you! What a reunion!
I will miss you until that day God calls me home.
Your Loving Niece,
Jeanne Bates Stewart
March 21, 2013
Uncle Wayne, Miss you so much! You were such a unique person with so much charm and personality. You are now reunited with your Mom and Dad and brother, John, and Wallace. Your pain and suffering in this world is over. We love you now and forever and we will see you "in the morning". You would have loved your Celebration of Life Service and Megan sang your song so beautifully, Amazing Grace. The graveside service of honor was excellent and so touching. I will forever cherish the Flag of Remembrance given to me. We love you and you will always be in our hearts.
Your Loving Niece, Rita Bates Jones
P S. Donny sang so beautifully, "I Can Only Imagine". You would have been so proud of him. Tell all our family we love them and miss them every day....
Rita Jones
March 21, 2013
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