Obituary: MICHAEL RAY BATES

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Michael “Mike” Ray Bates passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Fairview Baptist Church with Rev. Heath Lloyd officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The committal will follow the service at the church cemetery.

Michael was born in Rockingham County to the late Coleman Ray Bates and Ruby Nadine Isley. He worked as a truck driver for many years and loved his job. Mike enjoyed fishing, working with scrap metal, attending flea markets and auction sales. He was an avid collector.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Mary Alice Nicole Taylor and great granddaughter, Koplin Renea Bates.

Mike is survived by his brothers, Keith Bates (lifetime friend Scott Powers), Kevin Bates (Monika); children, Wayne Bates, Chris Bates (Stephanie Hodges), Holly Bates; 9 grandchildren, 7 greatgrandchildren, best friend, Daryl Harrison (Marlene) as well as a large and loving group of extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Research Foundation at PO BOX 5021, Hagerstown MD, 21741

Wilkerson Funeral Home

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