Dolen William Bates

Dolen William Bates, age 84, of Franklin, NC, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023.  He was born August 13, 1938 in Macon County to the late Bruce W. Bates and Cleo Cowart Bates.  He was married to Mavis Gibson Bates who died in 2008.  Mr. Bates retired from Burlington Industries after 36 years, where he worked as a supervisor. He was a former Macon County Commissioner and worked hard to get Macon Program for Progress and Macon Valley Nursing Home started. Dolen was very faithful to the Democrat Party. He attended Louisa Chapel United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Leonard Bates.

He is survived by a special nephew, Terry Bates and wife Tillena of Franklin; a sister, Mildred Rogers of Franklin and many extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, January19, 2023 at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home, with Rev. David Crunkleton officiating.  Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Robert Fullbright, Eddie Leatherwood, Harold Huscusson, Mark Pruitt, Nick Morgan and Joe Morgan.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 am prior to the service at the funeral home.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Bates family.  Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.