Charles E. Bates

BATES-Charles E. Bates, age 84 of Aiken, S.C., loving husband for 61 years to Judy Bates and son of the late Homer and Viola Ransom Bates, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son Dr. Steven R. (Crystal) Bates of Charleston, S.C.; a daughter, Sandra D. (Pastor Tod) Wilson of Aiken, S. C.; brothers, Harold Bates and Joe Bates both of Anderson, S.C.; a sister, Martha Ann Misenheimer of Concord, N.C. and grandchildren, Steve D. Bates, Paul Bates and Heather Wilson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, James and Larry Bates and a grandson, Joseph Bates. He was born in Anderson, S.C. but has been a lifelong resident of Aiken County. He was a member of Mercy Church in Aiken, S.C. He was a minister of the Gospel for over 60 years. He was an insurance agent by trade, but his passion was to minister the gospel, and he served as an evangelist and pastored seven churches in Maryland and South Carolina. He had a great personality and gift of gab, which yielded him many friends. A man of his caliber shall be greatly missed by his family, friends and all whose lives he touched during the 84 years that God granted him on this earth. Death is not the end for “Charlie”, as he was so fondly known by his family and friends, as he has just made that great transition to his new Heavenly home, where all is joy and peace in a land of endless tomorrows. Earth’s loss is truly Heaven’s gain. A service, paying tribute to his life and celebrating his homegoing, will be held at Mercy Church in Aiken, S.C. on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Tod Wilson, Pastor Kenneth Murphy and Pastor C. B. Turner officiating. The interment will be private. The Pallbearers will be Mike Barker, Ken Bell, Richard Clark, David Christmas, Wayne Derrick and Bernie Heyward. Members of the New Fire Class will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Mercy Church, 2700 Whiskey Rd., Aiken, S.C. 29803. Napier Funeral Home, 315 Main Street. Graniteville SC, 29829 is charge of all arrangements. You may sign the guest registry at www.napierfuneralhomeinc.com