Mr. Donnie Michael Bates, age 67, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Saturday, August 19, 2023, at the local hospital.

Donnie was born March 19, 1956, a son of the late Ralph and Ola Bates.

Donnie was the manager of Ed's Supply Company for over thirty years. He was always a prankster, hard worker, never missed a day of work and was the most honest person you will ever meet.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Justice Bates of the residence; daughter, Tiffanie Shrader; granddaughters, Isabel and Raine Shrader both of Ringgold, GA; sister, Jeanette Williamson of Ringgold, GA; brothers, Jimmy Bates of Ringgold, GA, Gene and Susan Bates of Ooltewah, GA, and Randy Bates of North Carolina; lifelong friends, Ernie Sanders of Dalton, GA, Rodney Hayes of Athens, GA, and Joe Card of Ringgold, GA; and all of the employees of Ed's Supply Company who were like his second family; several nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Donnie Michael Bates will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Ernie Sanders and Reverend Tim Chastain officiating. The family will receive friends after 2:00 p.m. Saturday until the service hour.

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Georgia, 30721, 706.226.4002www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org and www.ogr.org.