Raymond Bates, 84 of the Springtown Community, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019.   Born May 5, 1935 to Noah and Alice Ledford Bates in the Greasy Creek Community.

Preceded in death by his parents, listed above; step-mother, Mildred Farner Bates; brother, Arnold Bates; sister, Bonnie Bates.

He is survived by wife of 62 years, Ethel "Squeak" Bates; son, Randall "Faye" Bates of Benton, TN; daughter, Kathleen "Kevin" Lillard of reliance; grandchildren, Christopher Bates of Benton, TN, Kristin Bolten of Nashville, TN, Joshua Lillard of Ashville, NC, Zachary "Haley" Lillard of Benton, TN; great-grandsons, Joseph Bates, Skyver Bolten and Hayden Lillard; one sister, Rosene Bates "Byrd"; a bushel full of nieces and nephews whom he all loved dearly.

Raymond grew up hunting the hills and mountains of Greasy Creek and Reliance; he enjoyed raising cattle keeping and riding horses. In his last years he enjoyed watching TV and sharing his recliner with his little dogs Bella and Jill; most of all he loved his family especially his grand and great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Ken and Geneva Morris and to the staff and residents of McMinn Memorial Nursing Home and Rehab.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2019 in the chapel of the funeral home.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 31, 2019 at Towee Baptist Church with Rev. Cecil Williams officiating. Interment will follow service to Witt Cemetery.

Zachary Lillard, Josh Lillard, Christopher Bates, Kenny Satterfield, Bob Lee and Christopher Lee will serve as pallbearers.