Rodney Walter Bates, 67, of Murphy, was called home by his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, and a 1971 graduate of Murphy High School.
Rodney had spent his career working at many of the local factories. Rodney was an active and past member of both Murphy and Peachtree fire departments and served as chief for Peachtree. He was instrumental in founding the fire program at Clifton Precision.
He was a member of Sweetwater Baptist Church. He served as deacon, taught Sunday school, training union, RAs, VBS and was involved in the Brotherhood.
Rodney was an outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting and camping with his family.
He was the son of the late Charles Finley Jr. and Elza Lou Davis Bates. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Charles F. Bates III, and infant brother, Larry Francis Bates.
Surviving are his loving wife of 50 years, Karen Dockery Bates; two daughters, Robin Bates Caldwell and husband Robert of Brasstown, and Kimberly Bates Henson and husband Joshua, of Hayesville; a son, Jonathan Bates and wife Shereen of Murphy; six grandchildren, Katelyn and Parker Caldwell, Matthew and Levi Henson, Jesse Bates and wife Nichole Fore Bates, and Jacob Bates and fiancee, Adrianna Yonce; and several extended family members.
A graveside service was held 3 p.m. Sunday, June 6, at Unaka Cemetery with Dr. Chester Jones and the Rev. Aud Brown officiating. Pallbearers were Jesse Bates, Jacob Bates, Josh Henson, Michael Henson, Robert Caldwell and Parker Caldwell. Honorary pallbearers were Samuel Cornwell and Stacy Cornwell.
The family received friends from 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 6, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Rodney Bates to Gideons International, P.O. Box 164, Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.