Harold M. Bates

Harold M. (Hal) Bates, 80 ,of Roanoke, died Sunday, November 2, 2008. He was born in Wise County on March 11, 1928, the son of William J. and Reba W. Bates. Harold was with the Airborne United States Army from 1946 to 1947 and was involved in several veterans' organizations. He was a graduate of William & Mary and earned his law degree from Washington & Lee University. He was a freshman coach at Washington & Lee University and served on the Board of Directors of the William & Mary Alumni Association. Harold was a special agent with the FBI in Newark and New York City and was an investigator with the U.S. Defense Department in Lexington. He was an attorney in the Roanoke area from 1966 until his retirement in 2006. Harold was affiliated with the James River Limestone Co. in Buchanan from 1970 to 1996. He enjoyed snow skiing and bike riding and traveling. Harold is survived by his wife, Helen Herndon Bates; daughter, Linda B. Thumas; son and daughter-in-law, Carl and Karen Bates; grandchildren, Jonathan Thumas, Jeffrey Thumas, and Brian Bates; numerous extended family, close friends and colleagues.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to special caregivers, Holly Giles, the staff at Carrington Place, Good Samaritan Hospice, the Care Givers Support Group, Southern Care Hospice and many special friends. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2008, at Oakey's North Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Darryl G. Crim officiating. The interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be provided by D.A.V. Honor Guard. The family will be receiving friends 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at Oakey's North Chapel, 540-362-1237.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the North Roanoke Baptist Church Building Fund, 6402 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Va. 24019.