Samuel Bates was born August 11, 1950 and departed this life Sunday, March 30, 2014 reaching the age of 63 years. He was the son of the late James Theo and Daisy Edith (Melton) Bates.

In addition to his wife, Janet (Parmley) Bates, he is survived by: his goddaughter, Helena Lair; three brothers, Charles, Thomas, and Danny Bates; and four sisters, Thelma Lovell, Edith Wesley, Shirley Lundy, and Mary Upchurch; along with a host of family and friends who mourn his passing.

In addition to his parents, James and Daisy Bates, he was preceded in death by: four brothers, William, Bobby, and James Phillip and one who died in infancy; and two sisters, Josephine Kellogg and Nancy Bates.

He was a loving husband, godfather, brother, relative and friend who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 after 5 pm in the chapel of the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 1 pm at the Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dewey Burks and Bro. Dan Parmley officiating. Burial will be in the Elk Spring Cemetery.