Ellis Dewuel Bates

Franklin, NC - Ellis Dewuel Bates, 82, of Valdosta, Georgia passed away Friday, May 9, 2014. Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Boyd and Lola Watts Bates. He was a kind man, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved dancing and gardening, fishing and his work building steel forms to mold concrete for his company, Western Carolina Steel. He was a charter member of the Georgia Septic Tank association and a member of the Episcopal Church in Valdosta, Georgia.

Mr. Bates is survived by two daughters, Sharie Elliott of Valdosta, Georgia and Deborah Linke, of Pontiac, Michigan; one step daughter, Kathryn Miley of Hahira, Georgia; one son, David Bates of Allen Park, Michigan; one sister, Winnie Bates Vinson of Franklin, North Carolina; two brothers, Chuck Bates of Franklin, North Carolina, and Nelse Bates of Franklin, North Carolina; eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one son, Doug Bates; one sister, Joyce Bates Lewis, and two brothers, Clyde Bates, and Dennis Bates.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Bryant Grant Funeral Home with Rev. Don Moffitt officiating. Burial will be in the Rush Cemetery with full military rites conducted by Franklin VFW Post #7339 and American Legion Post #108. Pallbearers will be Michael Lewis, Danny Bates, Greg Bates, Tom Law, Sigurd Stenersen and Matt Elliott. The family will receive friends Thursday from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, one hour prior to the service, at Bryant Grant Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to Lanier Animals Partnership and Support. PO Box 401 Lakeland, GA 31635.

Bryant Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.