Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces the death and funeral services for Mr. John Junior Bates, age 82, of Blue Ridge, Georgia, who passed away on Friday morning, August 16, 2013, at his home.Mr. Bates was born in Franklin, North Carolina, on October 14, 1930, a son of the late Mack Bates and the late Dicie Stiewinter Bates. John’s wife, Mary Arnold Bates, preceded him in death; he was also preceded in death by a brother, Wilburn Bates, and a son-in-law, Wayne Lovingood.

Mr. Bates leaves behind his loving family members: son, Johnny, of Blue Ridge, Georgia; daughter, Margie Lovingood, of Hiawassee, Georgia; son and daughter-in-law, David M. and Barbara Bates, of Blairsville, Georgia; and son and daughter-in-law, Glen James and Pam Bates, of Blairsville; sisters: Christine Webb, Ester Mae, Frances McCall, Betty Sue Maney, and Lou Ann Wilson, all of Franklin, North Carolina; six grandchildren: Thomas James Bates, Nicky Lee Bates, Justin Helton, Peggy Morgan, Shelby Barnes, and Rachel Edwards; several great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Bates have been scheduled for Monday, August 19, 2013, at 4:00 p.m., to be held in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, with Rev. Harry Gilbert and Rev. Roy Watkins officiating. Specially selected music will be presented by Frances McCall, Nancy Webb, Elaine Webb, and Tommy Webb. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Randy Webb, Tommy Webb, William Edwards, Roger Harkins, Kenny George, and Matthew Clark. Burial will be in the Rich Cemetery in Blairsville. Visitation will be held at the funeral home starting at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, August 19, 2013, and will last until time for the funeral to begin.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please share your condolences with the family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.