Lawrence G. Bates

Lawrence was one of the best bosses I ever had in my 49 years as an executive secretary. The years I worked with him at CHKD were great - once he had got used to my quirky English sense of humor, I would get a kick out of his broad smile and loud chuckles whenever I shared a joke or funny story with him! He was a terrific boss, well-liked and respected by everyone. Although we all missed him when he left CHKD, we were very glad that he pursued his dream of becoming a pastor and serving in the church. When I and another employee visited him at WBCC for lunch and a tour one day, we could see how fulfilled he was and how proud he was of the church and his colleagues. It was obvious he had made the right decision! I will never forget Lawrence, and am grateful to have had the chance to know him and work with him. I send my love and best wishes to Barbara and the family.

Dearest Barbara and Family,
With all of my heart, I send you my thoughts, prayers and love in your time of grief. I share also in your joy, knowing that Lawrence is free from illness and suffering and rests with his beloved Savior. I rejoice that one day we will all celebrate eternal life together in Glory. May the days that follow be filled with God's comforting love and peace for your hearts. In His Love,

We enjoyed knowing Lawrence for many years. We attended small groups with he and Barbara. He will be missed. Also give Chris our condolences. We love you all.

To the Bates Family:
The presence of the Bates Family in the Fortson Family will never be forgotten especially the years at the Airline Blvd Church of Christ. We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time and may the many memories that you have comfort you now and the days ahead.
Edward & Ovella Fortson
Earlene, Junior, & Elton

Iam so thankful for knowing pastor Lawrence what a blessing he has been in my life ,how i seen so much of the life of God throught his life thank you Barbara for being the wife that God wanted you to be

Greatest boss ever. So compassionate and caring. He always had words of encouragement. All though I am one of the newest office ladies His no no no will always be our little smiling joke. Thanks Bates family for sharing Lawrence with us we all love him and you guys so much. He will be missed.

Lawrence was one of the most humble and transparent Christian men I ever had the privilege of knowing. I served on many church committees with Pastor Lawrence before the prayer team was formed at community church. Even though he was the pastor assigned to our ministry, he served right along with us, and we all enjoyed having him on our team. I will never forget the time Lawrence and I led a man to Christ and after services, he took the man and his wife to Walmart to buy them food. Lawrence never told me this, but the family came and told me the next Sunday what he had done for them.
I think there are probably hundreds of stories about Lawrence that many can tell that brought joy and truly revealed the true spirit of Christianity. He will be missed greatly and our hearts are broken for our loss, the loss to community church, and especially the loss for Barb and he boys. However, we know Lawrence is with Jesus and there is a very special homecoming in heaven celebrating his life. We celebrate his life too and know he will never be forgotten, his legacy will live on forever. Blessings to his family.

I was so blessed to have met and known Pastor Lawrence. I first knew of him as being one of the Pastors at WBCC but had never really spoken with him. Then about 2 1/2 years ago when I was attending chemo treats with my best friend who was sitting across from us, but Pastor Lawrence. I struck up a conversation with him by telling him I was attending his church. I grew up Catholic so I was amazed at how easy going, laid back, and that such a positive light shined through him considering all he was going through too. I thought that would probably be the only time I would actually have a conversation with one of the Pastors from such a large church and what a blessing it was. Boy was I surprised that God had a bigger plan. Little did I know his amazing light from God would seek me out every now and then at church just to ask how my friend was doing. I can see his infectious smile and genuine care and concern in his eyes for her as I am writing this now. I would ask how he was doing and he always answered okay just a little tired. I have to say from the little pieces of time God had him cross my path, he left a huge lasting impression of someone who was truly one of God's earth bound angles. He was diffidently sent to help others see his light through him. I can only imagine the light and blessings he brought to those who were close to and loved by him. May God's loving arms hold and comfort all of you since your earth bound angel; Pastor Lawrence has been called home. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for allowing me to join in the celebration of his life and his new home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I met Lawrence in the mid 60's. I must say it was a pleasure to have know him. As kids we had paper routes, went fishing, played organized sports together. We played on the same middle school basketball and baseball team. I found Lawrence on facebook and we began to communicate again. He will be missed and I do remember the great times we had in Fredericksburg, Va.

Lord, I come to you to ask that you provide the Bates Family, strength and comfort in this time of deep need. Their hurt and grief run so deep. I feel so much pain for them, but I can only imagine how hard this time must be for them. I pray that you help them maintain their faith in you during this difficult time.
Romans 14:8

If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.


Stanley O Stephens and Family

My heart is heavy when I think about Pastor Lawrence being gone from us but it rejoices that he is in heaven hearing "well done good and faithful servant". I have been truly blessed to have served under Pastor Lawrence's leadership at Community Church of Western Branch. He taught me so much about hope, compassion, serving, integrity and having joy in all circumstances. His passion and love for God and his family was very evident. Thank you Lord for allowing our paths to cross. To Barbara, Jon, Chris and the rest of the family, you are in my thoughts and prayers and you are loved.

Next to my father, Lawrence has been the finest man I have ever known. He has been a true friend, brother, and mentor to me. My brother, Deans, was born May 22, 1955, and went on to be with the Lord in 1977. Lawrence and I shared the same birthday. I was born May 28, 1959. I would like to say he was like a brother to me, but we were not as close as I wish we had been. I can say that I was closer to him than I am my real brothers. I can say I loved him like a brother.

I am truly sorry to hear of Lawrence's passing. I pray for the family members for strength in the coming days.

To the Bates Family: As a young professional at CHKD a number of years back, I was blessed to have been in the presence of a role model such as Lawrence. I always admired his humility and strength in his battle with cancer. Some people are just so strong. I also admired Lawrence's devotion to Our Lord and his family. I wish you all peace and fond memories over the coming days.

I have known Lawrence for nearly 30 years. He was a true leader and one of the kindest individuals I have had the privilege of working with. I wish his family my sincere sympathy at the loss of such a wonderful person. We can find peace knowing that he is with God.

Lawrence is now dancing with the Angels and his Heavenly Father! Thank you and Barbara for all your guidance and love you shared with Tony, my family, and myself.

We will greatly miss Lawrence. He had the greatest personality and smile. His love to the Lord and his own family will never be forgotten. He fought so hard with his illness but now it is time to be with God and Jesus in peace. God Bless you, Barbara, and all your family. Prayers are with you.

Our hearts are truly saddened at the news of Lawrence's passing. May your sweetest memories return to you and bring you comfort at this sad time. Our love and sympathy is extended to Barbara, his sons and all of the Bates family and may God bless each of you with the peace and strength to endure your hurt. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and know that we wish we could be there for the service. Your family has always been such a vital part of our family. Keep a song of comfort and courage in your heart in the days ahead. Our love to each of you.

There are so many words that can describe a truly WONDERFUL man and I had the pleasure of not only working for Lawrence at CHKD but being his friend during the many years he was part of our team. His warm smile, cocky grin and the warmth of his heart made him one of the best! I will miss him and send warm thoughts to his family during their loss - Peace Be with, Deborah

I weep with sorrow, but know that God blesses those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. May our loving God be with Barbara and her families as they endure hardship with the loss of a loved one. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.

Pastor Lawrence fought a good fight against such a dreadful disease. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers for the family.

Lawrence was my boss, my mentor and my friend while we worked at CHKD. His kindness, dignity and integrity were legendary but my favorite memories of Lawrence remain how much he loved Barbara and adored his sons. He was a wonderful teacher professionally and personally and my life is so much richer having walked a brief time on his path. Much love Barbara.

To a great servant of God, you will be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Barbara and the entire Bates family. We pray that you will find peace and comfort from our God during this difficult time.
Ernie, Denise, Martha Ulmer

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, I know that God and the angels are rejoicing at the arrival of one of His Saints. Thank God that we all know that this is not the end and we will all be together again someday.

Lawrence was such a Godly man and a true inspiration to many. My heart is saddened yet there is a comforting feeling knowing that he is with God the heavenly father that loves him so much. I continue praying for his loving family during this difficult time. He will be missed by all that knew him.

What a godly example Lawrence has been for so many. Even though our hearts are saddened that he has left us, we are rejoicing he is with our wonderful Savior. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barbara and their children.

We are so sorry to hear that Lawrence lost his battle to cancer. He is now healed! We remember him for his love and faithfulness to our Lord and his family! May God bless you as you grieve and think of the wonderful memories with him.
Charles & Donna (Peebles) Wilkes
N.Augusta, SC

I had the pleasure of working with Lawrence at CHKD. He was such a kind and compassionate man. He will not be forgotten.

My prayers are with his family during this very difficult time.

Lawrence, we loved you well.

Lydia Jackson, David and Kay Jackson, Steve and Diane Brown, Tim and Debra Thomas, Denise Jackson, Betty Peebles

Heaven is rejoicing at receiving Lawrence. I know he will be missed here. He fought the good fight and will be remembered for his courage and perserverance. Our prayers are with the family.