Gary Wayne Bates

Gary W. Bates, 67 of Oak Island, NC (formerly of Lexington, NC) passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, August 8, 2026 at First Reformed United Church of Christ in Lexington NC, with Rev. Elizabeth Horton officiating services.

The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Mr. Bates was born October 30, 1958 in Davidson County to John (J.W.) Bates and Betty Smith Bates. He spent 35 years as an engineer with the Department of the Army in Northern Virginia. His greatest joy in life was watching his daughters succeed. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving is his wife, Jennifer Musgrave Bates of Oak Island, NC of 45 years; his daughters Pamela Carlson of Augusta, WV and Heather Hammond of Linden, NC; his sister Susan Bates Odom (Calvin) of Lexington, NC; and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to

• First Reformed United Church of Christ, 104 E. Center Street, Lexington, NC 27292.
• South Run Baptist Church, 8712 Selgar Drive, Springfield, VA 22153
• Or any heart or cancer charity of your choice