Arnold MC Bates, 75, of Reliance, TN, went home to his Heavenly Father, Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at his residence, after a short battle with cancer.He was a native of Polk County and a son of the late Noah and Alice Ledford Bates. He was a well known auto mechanic, served as Polk County constable for 25 years and was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Sophia Barnes Bates; his parents, listed above; one sister Bonnie Bates and one step-grandson, Joshua Ownby. He left behind to cherish his memories, his wife, Betty Rymer Gay Bates of Reliance, TN; daughters, Sheila Bates and Kathy Hughes both of Reliance, TN; sons and daughter-in-law, Michael Barnes of Reliance, TN and Ricky and Denise Barnes of Cleveland, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Ethel Bates of Reliance, TN; sister, Rozene Byrd of Dalton, GA; step-daughter, Lora Ann Gay of Rural Vale, TN; step-sons and spouse, Tracy and Beth Gay of Etowah, TN and Michael Gourley of Englewood, TN; sister-in-law, Nelline Decker and husband, Joe of Reliance, TN, Mildred Osbourn and husband, Jim of Madisonville, TN, and Lula Mae Rymer of Tellico Plains, TN; brother-in-law, Benny Rymer and wife, Mary of Reliance, TN; grandchildren, Leanne Sharp and husband Andre, Chris Brown and wife, Rhonda all of Reliance, TN, Matthew Barnes and wife Allison and David Barnes all of Cleveland, TN; step-grandchildren, Jacob Ownby of Rural Vale, TN, Felicia Gay of Madisonville, TN and Chase Gourley of Tellico Plains, TN; great-grandchildren, Cassidy and Chloe Haulk, James, Terri and Cody Brown all of Reliance, TN and Scarlett Ownby of Rural Vale; step-mother, Mildred Bates of Reliance, TN., all of which he adored. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and the many that he loved and was proud to be their "Papaw".Funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2013 in the South Chapel, of Bordwine Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Dills and Rev. Bobby Rymer officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, prior to the service. Family and friends will assemble at Reliance Cemetery, Saturday, March 16, 2013 for the 11:00 a.m., committal service.