Phillip Jerry Bates, 69, of Mill Spring, passed away Wednesday morning, March 1, 2023 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills following a brief illness.A native of Polk County, Jerry was the son of the late Lloyd Francis Bates and Exie Lee Thompson. Jerry attended Polk Central High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his time serving his country, he returned to Polk County and worked at Stonecutter and Mohawk Industries retiring when the plant closed. Jerry loved riding his motorcycle and fishing. Jerry was of the Baptist faith and saved and baptized at Big Level Baptist Church.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Heather Etienne; two brothers, Edward Thompson and William Bates.Surviving is his loving wife of 39 years, Cindy Wood Bates; one daughter, Misty Edwards (Brant) of Fort Campbell, Kentucky; two grandchildren, Brittany Scott (Zack) and Dylan Edwards; three sisters, Elizabeth Childress of Virginia Beach, Frances Kuykendall of Columbus and Judy Johnson (Keith) of Mill Spring; one brother, Charles Bates (Vicki) of Henrietta. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.The family will receive friends Saturday, March 4, 2023 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel.A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral chapel with Reverend Mike Gettys and Reverend Jeremy Wood officiating.Military honors will be conducted by the Polk County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard.
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