Arnold L. Bates

Arnold L. Bates, 89 of Orangeburg died Thursday, February 13, 2014 at the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg.

The Casket will be placed in the church one hour before the services.

Funeral Services will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, February 16, 2014 at St. George Baptist Church in Orangeburg with burial in the church cemetery with Rev. Wayne Reeves and Rev. Brad Chandler directed by Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. in Orangeburg.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Berry, John Bates, Joe Bates,Kenny Bates, Walker Smith, Jr and Christy Jones.

He was born December 30, 1924 in Orangeburg County, SC; the son of the late Shellie Bates and the late Annie Mae Garrick Bates. He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. George Baptist Church; a former Deacon, and a Sunday School Teacher. He was retired as a dispatcher from the South Carolina Highway Patrol. He was a charter member of the S.C. Trooper's Association. On February 6, 2014, Arnold and his wife, Carolyn celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary that was full of Love, Devotion and Happy Memories.

SURVIVORS include his loving wife of 70 years, Mrs. Carolyn Thomas Bates of Orangeburg; 3 sons; Arnold David Bates of Savannah, GA; Ronnie L. (Doris) Bates of Orangeburg; Michael Bates of Columbia; 1 daughter; Linda (Glenn) Sizemore of Myrtle Beach, SC; 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren ; 1 brother; Keith (Betty) Bates of Orangeburg and a number of nieces and nephews.

FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE residence and at the funeral home.

VISITATION WILL BE HELD 6:00 to 8:00 PM Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. in Orangeburg.

MEMORIALS MAY BE MADE TO St. George Baptist Church Rock Fund; 2590 Shillings Bridge Road; Orangeburg, SC 29115.