Joe William Bates, age 89, of Anderson, SC, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2024, at NHC Healthcare Anderson.

Born December 25, 1934, in Anderson, he was a son of the late Homer B. Bates and Viola Ransom Bates. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Larry, James, and Charles Bates.

Joe began his career at Owens Corning Fiberglas followed by a 20-plus year tenure at TranSouth Financial Service before retiring. Following retirement, he became the owner of Redwood Cafeteria and the Nutty Sweet Shop. After selling both restaurants, Joe took his passion and talent for cooking and enjoyed catering events for many years. Together with his wife, each year they hosted a Christmas party for the Church of God Home for Children and cooked for the annual South Carolina Church of God Camp Meeting. He also dabbled in building houses. He was a man of many talents! Joe was an avid Clemson football fan, a Shriner and a member of Trinity Springs Church of God.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Margaret Woody Bates; son, David E. Bates (Lisa) of Anderson; daughter, Joanne Wilson (Bryan) of Anderson; brother, Harold W. Bates of Anderson; sister, Martha B. Misenheimer of Concord, NC; grandchildren, Meredith B. Smith (Jason), Jared Bates (Ashlea), and Haley Sherbet (Dylan) all of Anderson; and great grandchildren, Aislyn Smith, Davis Smith, Ainsley Bates, and Addison Grace Sherbet all of Anderson.

The funeral service will be held Friday, April 26, 2024, at 3:00 pm in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home with Rev. James Petty and Rev. James Patterson officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30-2:45 pm.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Church of God Home for Children, Church of God State Executive Offices, P.O. Box 309, Mauldin, SC 29662.