Mr. Jimmie Steven Bates age 69 of Dalton, GA, departed this life to his eternal home. Blinded eyes being opened receiving his sight for the first time on Tuesday June 18, 2019 at the Erlanger Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Jimmie was born May 20, 1950 in Dalton, GA a son of the late Ralph and Geneva Bates. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Betty Chastain, Margaret Kellams, Dorothy Harris, Geneva "Sis" Bates, brothers, Charles, Ricky, Kenneth and Junior Bates.

He is survived by his sister, Sybil Land ; brothers and sisters-in-law, Randy and Betty Bates of Dalton, GA, Ronnie Bates of Chatsworth, GA, James Bates, G.W. and Jeanette Bates all of Dalton, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Jimmie Steven Bates will be held Friday June 21, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Ronald Guffey and Reverend Robert Beavers officiating. Interment will follow in the Antioch Cemetery with Daniel Land, Gary Land, Shane Chastain, Randy Bates Jr., Ronnie Bates Jr., Casey Bates and Josh Hall serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the loving staff of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Erlanger Hospital.

Arrangements by locally owned and operated Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton, GA. (706)226-4002 "Funerals, Cremations, Cemeteries, Florists" YOUR SELECTED INDEPENDENT FUNERAL HOME"