Furman Arthur Bates, 64, of Flowery Branch, GA, entered into rest on Friday, October 7, 2005.

A native of Macon County, he was the son of the late General Ted Bates and Maggie Elizabeth Collier Bates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elina Parker. He was self employed and was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Martha Jean Webb Bates; three sons, Eddie Bates and Michael Bates both of Cleveland, GA and Jonathan Bates of Gainesville, GA; one brother, John "Dink" Bates of Franklin; one sister, Debbie Carver of Franklin; three grandchildren; one great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 12, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Robert Dryman and Rev. Neal Ammons will officiate. Burial will be in the Gillespie Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, October 11. At other times the family will be at the home of Debbie and Kenneth Carver, 215 Palmer Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Pallbearers will be Eddie Bates, Michael Bates, Randy Roberts, Charles Roberts, Bobby Parker, Grover Anderson and Ryan Bispring.

Honary Pallbearers will be Alvin LeRoy and Stanley Parker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family, c/o Macon Funeral Home, PO Box 1175, Franklin, NC 28744.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences available @www.maconfuneralhome.com

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