Allen Bates

Bates Yadkinville- Mr. Allen Bates, 85, of Cox Mill Road passed away peacefully Monday, January 26, 2015 at his home. He was born August 21, 1929 in Yadkin County to the late Fletcher and Lillie Harrison Bates. MR. Bates was retired from Reavis Oil Company with over 30 years of service, and worked with Unifi, Inc. for 9 years. He was a life-long member of Center United Methodist Church, loved working in his garden through the years, and going to auctions. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sisters, Ethel Bates Culler, Mozelle Bates Robertson, by a brother, Lester H. Bates, and by his grandson, Andy Bates. Surviving are his devoted wife of 63 years, Anna Jean Holbrook Bates, of the home; his daughter, Kathy B. Casstevens, her son, Emory and wife, Kristy Casstevens; their daughter, Kassey Casstevens; Kathy's son, Nicholas and wife, Megan Casstevens, their children, Wyatt and Brynlee; Kathy's daughter, Heather and husband, Brian Howard, and their son, Carson Culler. Surviving are Mr. Bates son, David and wife, Ann Bates, their son, Jason Bates, their daughter, Jennifer and husband, Will Fisher; and their children, Randall and Brayden Fisher. Surviving are Mr. Bates daughter, JoAnne B. and husband, Kim Walker, their son, Ben Walker, his daughter, Madison Walker; daughter, Tarra and her husband, Lance Cpl Christopher Rausch; JoAnne's son, Quynn Walker. Mr. Bates is also survived by his sister Kathryn Williard of Tobaccoville; a brother, Walser Bates of Yadkinville; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. His funeral service will be 11:00 AM Wednesday at Center United Methodist Church by Rev. Dan Martin and Rev. Greg Anderson. He will lie in-state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, PO Box 1267, Yadkinville, NC 27055. Online condolences may be made to www.gentryfuneralservice.com.