Harold Eugene Rev. Bates

Rev. Harold Eugene Bates, age 86, of Rome, GA, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018, in a local healthcare facility.

Rev. Bates was born in Rome on September 2, 1932, a son of the late William Howard Bates and Edna Ardell Cook Bates. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. Rev. Bates moved to Arkansas in his early adulthood and after finishing seminary pastored several churches there. Following retirement in the early 2000s he moved back to his hometown of Rome. Rev. Bates was a faithful servant of his Lord Jesus Christ and loved doing for other. He was an avid gardener and loved being with family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Bates.

Rev. Bates is survived by his wife, Sheila Ann Bailey Bates, whom he married June 17, 1956; one daughter and son-in-law, Emily Ann and Roy E. Tinkle; three sons and daughters-in-law, Mark D. and Tamara Bates, Richard and Freida Bates, and Gary and Tammy Bates; six sisters, Betty Smith, Jone Thacker, Nancy Smith, Anita Otwell, Sandra Hamrick and Phyllis Barron; one brother, Ronny Bates. Twelve grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews also survive.

In keeping with his wishes, Rev. Bates has been cremated. A Celebration of Life for Rev. Bates will be announced later by Salmon Funeral Home.

Salmon Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Rev. Harold Eugene Bates.