George I Bates

George I. Bates, age 81, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday March 12, 2024, at Baptist Health in Corbin, Kentucky.

George was a loving husband, and devoted father and grandfather, who was born in Jellico, Tennessee, a son of the late John Calvin Bates and Sylvania Perry Bates. George was a renowned historical masonry restorer who's craftmanship was well known throughout southeastern Kentucky. He was also a veteran of the US Marine Corp.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Nancy Cox Bates; brothers, Henry Bates and Johnny Bates; sisters, Joanne Corey, Cynthia Davis, and Bobbi Perkins.

George is survived by his four children, Dinah Bates Smith (Charles), George Bates Jr. (Lisa), Rosia Bates Wilson (Jerry), and Garry Bates (Felicia); grandchildren, Sarah Jane Peace (Jason), Chasity Elaine Meadors (Josh), Kristan Wyatt (Justin), George Isaac Bates III, Catherine Barbara Brown (Michael), Garry Isaac Bates Jr. (LeAnne), Kizzie Faye Barbosa (Ryan), and Kristien LeeAnn Woolum (Christian); twelve great grandchildren; sister, Elsie Bates Crawford (John); and by numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be from 11am until 1pm on Saturday March 16, 2024, at the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where his funeral service will be held at 1pm with Rev. Andrew Darden officiating.

Burial will follow in the McFarland Cemetery in Corbin, Kentucky, with military honors by the American Legion Post #88 of Corbin.

Messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com