Ronald W. “Ronnie” Bates, 87 of Murphy, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at his residence.
He was a native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County.
Ronnie had worked as a machinist at Coats America for 33 years until his retirement. He was a member of New Martins Creek Baptist Church and served as a deacon.
Ronnie was an avid fisherman and hunter and taught his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to appreciate and enjoy the outdoors. He also coached softball and baseball for the local youth teams.
He was the son of the late Charles Finley Sr. and Bessie Craig Bates. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Ramona Hogsed and Delores Beaver, and one brother Charles Bates Jr.
Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Opalene Odom Bates; three daughters, Glenda Bates Stiles and husband, Gary of Murphy, Rhonda Bates Conard and husband Bil of Weeki Wachee, Fla. and Dena Bates and Tony Jones of Murphy; six grandchildren, Krystal Baumann, Brandon Stiles, Keisha Biblis, Richie McCoy, Jason and Steven Conard; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2023 at New Martins Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Mark Alexander and Chris Matheson officiating.
Interment will be in the church cemetery with the Rev. Lamar Chastain officiating.
Pallbearers will be Richie McCoy, Trampas Crisp, Josh Barnett, Jonathan Bates, Jeff Wilson, and Rondal Phillips. Honorary pallbearers will be Arnold Crisp, Larry Crisp, Jeff Cook, Derwin Chastain and Steve Wilson.
The family will receive friends from 12-1:45 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2023 at New Martins Creek Baptist Church prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Ronald W. “Ronnie” Bates to Gideons International, PO Box 164 Murphy, North Carolina 28906 or St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.