Gary Wayne Bates

Gary W. Bates, 67, of 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, with Rev. Elizabeth Horton officiating services. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.

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

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

Surviving are 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; aunt, Peggy Bates and uncles, Jack Kennedy and Bill Bailey; 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.