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Submitted: 7/14/18 • Approved: 7/16/18 • Last Updated: 7/19/18 • R1230529-G0-S3
US Army
Vietnam
July 31, 1946 - September 17, 2013
Married Thelma December 8, 1964
Thomas "Butch" Andrew Bates, 67 of Mulberry, Arkansas has departed from us and has gone to be in a peaceful heaven with our Lord on September 17, 2013 in his home. He was born July 31, 1946 in Sparta, North Carolina to the late Harold and Helen Bates. He was an iron worker-welder most of his working years. He was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War and of the Baptist Faith. He was one of the most giving persons on this planet. He loved helping people. He loved sports fishing, hunting,gardening, of course his dogs and smoking on the grill. He will be greatly missed by all. He resided in Fort Smith for 20 years and 17 years outside of Mulberry which was his home.He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Thelma Bates; 1 daughter, Sherrie Bates of Van Buren; 1 son, Casey Bates and wife Ginger of Pocahontas, Arkansas; 1 sister Twila Caugham and husband Jerry of Stillwell, Oklahoma; 6 grand children, Andrew Wagoner, Chad Bates, Clint Bates, Breanna Vest, Chris Bates and Sarah Murphy; 6 Great Grand-children; 2 sisters in law, Reatha West and Margaret Inman; 2 cousins Brenda and Tom Lafone; brother in law Stanley Jones and several nieces, nephews and many friends he thought of as family.
Pallbearers will be Chris Bates, Chad Bates, Clint Bates, Jeffery West, Eddie White and Dean Marion. Honorary pallbearers will be Gregg French and Robert Boston.
Contributed on 7/14/18 by billsully060
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Record #: 1230529