Mr. Willard Lamar Bates, age 70, of Dalton, GA, passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Hamilton Medical Center. He was born January 16, 1951 in Dalton, GA. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Leman Bates, sister, Glenda Pangle, granddaughter, Stasha Baggett.

He is survived by his mother, Edna Bates of Dalton, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Laura Bates of Chatsworth, GA; daughter, Michelle Edwards of Dalton, GA; brothers, Donnie and Tammy Bates of Dalton, GA, Steve Bates of Varnell, GA; sister, Pam and Jack Craig Bates of Dalton, GA; ten grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Service to celebrate the life of Mr. Willard Lamar Bates will be held Tuesday June 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. from the Ponders Melrose Chapel with Adam Harrison officiating. Interment will follow in the Ponders Colonial Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Monday.

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