Mr. Kenneth Eugene Bates, age 78, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Thursday morning, January 16, 2014 at the local hospital. Kenneth was born January 21, 1935 in Polk County, Tennessee, a son of the late James Ralph and Marie Lyles Bates. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Alice A. Pikoon Bates, brothers, Ralph Jr., Charles and Ricky Bates, sisters, Geneva Bates and Margaret Kellams. Kenneth was a mechanic by trade and he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

He is survived by his wife, Millie Jean Boyd; step-son, Jerry and Joy Boyd; step-daughters, Rita Thomas, Vickie and Ronnie Jones; brothers, Randy and Betty Bates, G.W. and Jeanette Bates, Ronnie Bates, James Bates and Jimmy Bates; sisters, Betty and Buddy Chastain and Syble Land; niece, Nelda Oliver; great-nephews, Scottie, Christopher and Kevin Oliver; six grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter; several other nieces and nephews.

Service to celebrate the life of Mr. Kenneth Eugene Bates will be held Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Robert Beavers and James Martin officiating. He will be laid to rest at Whitfield Memorial Gardens with Chris Oliver, Kevin Oliver, Bradley Tant, Mark Tant, Bill Greig, Randy Bates, Scott Oliver and Wesley Campbell serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday and after 10:00 a.m. Saturday until the service hour.

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton, GA. (706)226-4002 YOUR SELECTED INDEPENDENT FUNERAL HOME