On November 29, 2016, Mr. John Edward Bates heard the call of his name from the Lord Almighty coming to carrying him home. The battle has been fought, the victory won. He had found his peaceful resting place with God.

John was born August 31, 1948 to the late Claude Bates and Ruby Maenette Lipscomb Bates. He was a member of Mt. Zion CME Church in Cross Anchor, SC. John was a graduate of Sims High School in Union, SC. Mr. Bates was employed with Milliken Corporation in Union, SC until his health failed.

John was preceded in death by brothers, Royce Bates and Willis “Bug” Bates, and one sister, Annie Rose Williams.

He leaves to cherish loving memories, his wife, Vera Williams Bates of the home; three daughters, Brenda Williams of Fountain Inn, SC, Peggy Bates of Cross Anchor, SC and Rev. Stephanie Williams of Enoree, SC; five sisters, Sally Martin of Greenville, SC, Joyce (Larry) Byrd of Union SC, Mary Meadows of Greenville, SC, Barbara Meadows of NY and Francine Privette of Raleigh, NC; four brothers, James Robert (Cynthia) Bates of Pacolet, SC, Ernest (Lori Beaty) Bates, Wilson Bates Sr. and Freddie Bates, all of Union, SC; six grand-children and three additional grandchildren reared in the home, Trayvis Williams of NY, Asia Anderson and Malik Anderson, both of Enoree, SC; and two great grandchildren; and host of other relatives and friends