Mr. James Howard Bates, age 72, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life   Friday evening, August 7, 2020 at Hamilton Medical Center. He was born April 26, 1948 in Dalton, GA a son of the late James Ralph and Geneva Henry Bates. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Syble Christine Bates Land, Geneva "Sis" Bates, Margaret Kellams, Betty Chastain and Dorothy Harris brothers, Jimmie Steven, Junior, Kenneth, Charles and Ricky Bates. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Angie Bates; daughter, Lillie Little of Dalton, GA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronnie Bates of Chatsworth, GA,  Randy and Betty Bates and G.W. and Jeanette Bates all of Dalton, GA; grandchildren, Jessica and Pete Duzan, Kylie and Aaron Thomas, Danyel Bates, AJ Bates, Aubrey, Allie, Gauge, Neelrem, Landan; seven great grandchildren, several nices and nephews.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. James Howard Bates will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Ponders Whitfield Memorial Gardens. He will be laid to rest at West Hill Cemetery with his family and close friends serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Whitfield Memorial Gardens from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com .
Arrangements will be announced by, Ponders Melrose Chapel 138 Melrose Drive Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002
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