John T. Bates, Jr.

Johnny Thomas Bates, Jr., 86, died October 14, 2015 at his home.

A native of Pickens County, son of the late John Thomas Bates, Sr., and Evie Gillespie Bates, he was a retired police officer and a member of the Retired Police Association, District of Columbia, also retired from US District Court Security, a U.S. Army Veteran and a charter member of Praise Cathedral.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Sweezy Bates of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Susan B. and James Hill of Greer; one brother, Jack M. Bates, MD of Gainesville, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Claire B. Hill, Margaret Lipphard, Shawn Bates, Will Bates, Alicia Bates, Anthony Bates and Jason Dietrich and five great-grandchildren.

Mr. Bates was predeceased by one son, Kenneth Bates.

Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Saturday at Praise Cathedral conducted by Pastor Jerry Madden and Pastor Bob McCuen.  Burial followed in Hillcrest Memory Gardens.

Honorary escorts were the senior adults at Praise Cathedral.

Visitation was held 1-1:45 p.m. Saturday at Praise Cathedral.

The family is at the home.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 301 University Ridge, Suite 5850, Greenville, SC 29601.

Online condolences may be made at thewoodmortuary.com.