Henry Melvin Bates, age 89 of Sautee-Nacoochee, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2020. He was born on December 27, 1930 to the late Andrew James Bates and the late Charlotte Hill Bates of Cherokee County.
Melvin, as he was known, served honorably as a member of the United States Navy during the Korean War. After his service, Mr. Bates worked as a deputy in law enforcement in Fulton County. He later returned to the hills of Northeast Georgia where he raised cattle and farmed chickens. Mr. Bates was also a bus driver for many years for Habersham County Schools. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bates is preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Collett Bates and daughter Tina Bates Arnold.
Survivors include his son and daughter in law Ricky Melvin and Marcia Vandiver Bates, grandson Dustin Chad Bates and his wife and Jade Wright Bates, granddaughter Kelly Bates, grandson Julian Locke Arnold and his wife Cara Henderson Arnold, two great grandson Adam Chad bates and Cole Locke Arnold, sister Joyce Moore, sisters in law Padge Reece, Grace Collett, Janet Collett, brother in law Verne Reece and numerous nieces and nephews.
Melvin was a well-loved member of the community and a wonderful family man, that never met a stranger or anyone that stayed one for long. He will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, February 13, 2020 from 2-4 PM and from 6-8 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256
