Walser Ralph Bates

Bates Yadkinville- Mr. Walser Ralph Bates, 83, of Yadkinville, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017. He was born in Yadkin County to Fletcher R. and Lillie Harrison Bates on April 8, 1934. Mr. Bates was a member of the Yadkin County Rescue Squad and the Yadkin Masonic Lodge #162 A.F. & A.M. He worked at Wake Forest University in the athletic  maintenance department. He enjoyed working  as an auto body repairman, too. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Era Beatrice Prim Bates, a son Russell Grant Bates, sisters Ethel Culler and Mozelle Roberson, and brothers Lester Bates and Allen Bates. He is survived by a sister,Kathryn Williard of Tobaccoville; a sister-in-law, Jean Bates of Yadkinville, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Helen and husband Joe Brown, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bud and wife Nellie Prim, a special friend Ruby Driver, and many loving and dedicated nieces and nephews and many other family members and friends. His funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Center United Methodist Church. The body will lie instate from 1:30 until 2:00 Tuesday at the church. The family will receive friends Monday, November 13, 2017 from 6:00-8:00PM at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Masonic rites conducted by Yadkin Masonic Lodge #162 A.F. & A.M.  and military honors by the Yadkin V.F.W. Post 10346. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SECU Mountain Valley Hospice of Yadkinville, 320 West Maple Street, Yadkinville, NC 27055 or to the Yadkin County Rescue Squad, PO Box 1355, Yadkinville, NC 27055. A special thank you to the  many friends, neighbors, and caregivers. Gentry  Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Bates family. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.