1935
2011
Robert Clay Bates, 75, of Marion, died Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at Autumn Care in Marion. Born on December 1, 1935 in McDowell County, he was the son of the late Clyde Bates and Myrtle Hollifield.
Mr. Bates served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and retired from the P.G. Fire Department. He was a member of Turkey Cove Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Silver Bates. He is survived by his daughters, Cindy Bates of Spruce Pine, and Tracy Bates and Jayson Roberts of Woodbridge, VA; grandson, Logan Roberts; sister, Shirley Bartlett and her husband Dealo of Little Switzerland, NC; brothers, Lloyd Bates and his wife, Pat of Delaware and Joe Bond of North Wilkesboro, NC; and many nieces and nephews.
A Service of Remembrance will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 8, 2011 in the McCall Memorial Chapel of Kirksey Funeral Home in Marion. Burial will follow the service in Turkey Cove Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MemoryCare, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803.
Words of comfort may be shared with the Bates family at www.kirkseyfhmarion.com.
Arrangements under the direction of Kirksey Funeral Home, Marion, NC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
July 12, 2011
I'm so sorry for your loss and that we were not able to attend the service. Cindy and Tracy you are both in our thoughts and prayers. Please contact me. Carol Davis and family
July 8, 2011
Beth Blair
Cindy, you and Tracy as well as your extended family are in our thoughts and prayers.
July 8, 2011
Ralph & Joyce McKinney
Shirley, Lloyd, Joe : Sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. Robert was a fine man and a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We were thinking of our school days at Old North Cove High. May God bless.
July 8, 2011
Miranda Evans
Thinking of you and your family; praying that God helps ALL of you through this time in your lives. Love ya!
July 7, 2011
Cliff Autrey
Cindy and Tracy,
Most sincere condolences on the loss of your Dad...
July 7, 2011
Jill Sidebottom
Am so sorry at your loss. My father was Mr. Bates' roommate at Autumn Care.
July 7, 2011
Robert was a wonderful friend to us. We will be praying for all of you. God will be with you through this time.
Rev.Charles Hollifield and Wife Linda
July 7, 2011
Merle and Michelle Hanna
You will be in our prayers.
July 7, 2011
Marilyn Buchanan
Cindy, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. If you need anything please let me know. Love you
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