Obituary of David Bates, Jr.

James David Bates, Jr, age 89 of Gallatin, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2018.  Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 26^th at 10:00 a.m. from the chapel of Alexander Family Heritage Funeral Home, with Bro. Doyle Farris and Bro. Stephen Russell officiating.  Visitation will be Friday, May 25^th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 26^th from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow the service at Sumner Memorial Gardens, with Chris Bates, David Bates, Nathan Boone, John Lancaster, Josh O'Neal, Johnny Rogers serving as pallbearers.  Honorary Pallbearers are Bob Dyer, Bud Dyer, Wayne Dyer, Tim Hilton, Rick McWhirter, Doug Thweatt.  David was born on March 22, 1929 to J.D. Bates, Sr and Hettie Lou Harper Bates in Akron, Ohio. He was a graduate of Gallatin High School's Class of 1947. In July, 1950, David married his high school sweetheart from a nearby farm, Mary Elizabeth Dyer Bates. They were married 59 years until her death in 2009.  Throughout his life, David carried the title "farmer" well. He loved his family, and he worked hard farming, working as a dairyman for more than 50 years. From lessons learned on the farm, he passed to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren godly lessons in life. He was an avid reader and lover of history and genealogy. His family held the opinion "Pa could fix anything!" Grandchildren fondly remember the excitement of every Christmas morning at his house along with hayrides, fireworks, egg hunts, sleep-overs, and family meals which always began with a prayer from Pa. A man of "velvet and steel," his faith was strong, his word was true, his voice soft-spoken, his handshake firm, his love generous, and his quick wit a joy to share.  In addition to his wife, Billie Jo Wilson Bates, he is survived by sons Dean (JoAnn), Mike, Gary (Karen), and his daughter, Mary Anne; his grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Pa" or "Sonny", Libby (Nathan) Boone, Chris (Laura) Bates, Jennifer Bates, Becky (Johnny) Rogers, Shannon (John) Lancaster, David Bates, and Ashley (Josh) O'Neal along with great-grandchildren, Ameryn, Rogan, Gwennyn, Sully, and Gryffin Bates; Luke and Lincoln Rogers; Hinson, Addie June and Bella Lancaster; and Madison, Timothy and Isabella O'Neal.  Preceding him in death, in addition to Mary Elizabeth, are his parents, J.D. Bates, Sr and Hettie Lou Harper Bates.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Hartsville Pike Church of Christ Meals on Wheels Program, Hartsville Pike Church of Christ Bible Correspondence Course (744 Hartsville Pike, Gallatin, TN  37066) or a charity of your choice.  Online condolences may be submitted at alexanderheritagefh.com.  Alexander Family Heritage Funeral Home has been honored with arrangements.