Jerry M. Bates

Jerry M. Bates, age 74, of Braselton and formerly of Haleyville, AL passed away Saturday, May 14, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on October 23, 1941 in Winston County, Haleyville, Al, but was a resident of GA for the past 50 years. Jerry was a United States Army veteran. Survivors include his childhood sweetheart and wife of 52 years 10 months and 9 days Sandra Parker Bates; son Victor Bates and wife Valery; Steve Bates and wife Sandy; daughter Cyndi Vardaman and husband J; he was Papa to 4 grandsons Brett and Cameron Bates, John and Nick Vardaman; 2 granddaughters Ashley and Beth Bates; step grandchildren Michael Hicks and wife Rachel, April Hicks and Kristina Flack all of GA; sisters Gwen (Newman)Loveless, Ann Clark, Brenda (Hubert) Head, Glenda Vaughn and Patsy Pike; brother-in-law Tom Vaughn; 6 nieces, 8 nephews and a host of cousins all of AL, a host of friends from GA and AL. Pall Bearers will be his grandchildren and Honorary Pall Bearers are Victor and Steve Bates, J and Cyndi Vardaman. He is preceded in death by his parents Loyal “Foots” and Velvie Kelly Bates; brother Billy Wayne Bates; sister Donna Jane (Harold) Rhodes. The family would like to thank all the friends and family for the food, flowers and prayers as well as a special thanks to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center for all their help and support. Especially Marnie, Lisha, Patti, Tammy and all the others who visited. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Lawson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Rodney Peavy officiating. Interment will follow at Macedonia Community Baptist Church, 5507 Winder Hwy, Braselton, GA, 30517. The family will receive friends 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at the funeral home. Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA, 30548, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org, 706-654-0966.