Bruce Bates

Mr. Herbert Bruce Bates, 77, of Northside Drive, died Sunday, August 11 at Forsyth Medical Center after an illness of four months. No public service will be held, however, the family will receive friends at the home from 1:00 to 6:00 pm Tuesday, August 13. Mr. Bates was born May 16, 1936 in Davidson County to Zebulon Vance Bates and Sadie Yarbrough Bates Fleming. He retired as manager at Sherwin Automotive and was a member of the RC Aviation Fly Club. He was the last surviving grandson of Mary Presson Yarbrough, who was the first child at the Baptist Children’s Home in Thomasville. Mr. Bates was also a member of Tyro United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Georgia Hamlin Bates of the home; his daughters, Angie King and husband, Terry, Betsy Howell and husband, Chuck, and Jennifer Doherty and husband, David, all of Lexington; his grandchildren, Sara King, Laura King, Zeb King, Travis Howell, Miranda Howell, Natalie Fowler, and India Fowler; his nephews, Greg Tano and Irvin Bates; his nieces, Mitzi Gurkin, Rena Long, and Aundi Stilwell; his sisters in law, Pattie Tano and Molly Bates; his best friend, Lawrence Varner; and his special canine friend, Ernie. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pastor’s Pantry, 307 N. State Street, Lexington NC 27292 or to ARC of Davidson County, 6 Vance Circle, Lexington NC 27292.