Edwin T. Bates, Jr., 87, of Huntsville, passed away Tuesday. Mr. Bates was a lifelong resident of Madison County, born in New Market, the son of Edwin T. Sr. and Flossie Jones Bates. He attended the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, served two years in the U.S. Army, and graduated from Auburn University in 1956 with a B.S. Degree in Business Administration.
Mr. Bates was self-employed. He owned and operated cotton gins in Plevna, AL and Gurley, AL, and was in the feed, fertilizer, farm chemical, farm equipment parts and hardware business. He sold Bates Supply Co. & Ace Hardware in Gurley, AL, and retired in 2000. After retiring, he volunteered at Habitat for Humanity of Madison County.
Always active in the church, he served as deacon, elder, and trustee in the Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include his wife, Janel Gray Bates; sons, Edwin T. Bates III of Maryville, TN, and William H. Bates of New Market.
The family would like to give special thanks to Tania Patterson and Quentin and Bridgett Fitzpatrick for their care of Mr. Bates.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 1st at Rice Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Tara Bulger and Dr. Bill Cockrell officiating. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 307 Gates Ave., Huntsville, 35801, or to Habitat for Humanity of Madison County, 400 Washington St., Huntsville, AL 35801.
