Robert Keith Bates

Robert Keith Bates, 82, of Gainesville, Ga. passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 31, 2024, after a long illness.  He was dearly loved by his family and friends for being a gentle giant. Robert was a faithful Christian, dedicating his life to God and HIS service. He made a difference in the lives of everyone he met.

Born July 16, 1942, in Biltmore, N.C., Robert was the youngest son of the late Ralph Morris Bates and Sarah Robertson Bates. 

Upon graduation from Enka High School, Candler, N.C., he attended Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, N.C., where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion.  He continued his education at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY, receiving his Master of Divinity, and ultimately received his Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary, Jacksonville, FL.

In 1968, Robert was called to pastor at Wolffork Baptist Church in Rabun Gap, Ga.   Following this, he was called to Dewberry Baptist Church #1 in Gainesville, Ga. 

Robert was appointed by the Southern Baptist Convention as a missionary to Chile in 1978. After one year of language school in San José, Costa Rica, he served in the Bío-Bío district of Chile, teaching seminary extension classes and founding the Baptist Theological Institute of Concepcion.  He led numerous revivals and evangelical workshops throughout southern Chile.  In addition, he pastored Primera Iglesia Bautista de Penco, in Penco, Chile, and Iglesia Bautista Getsemaní, in Hualpén, Chile. He served in several leadership positions for the Chile Baptist Mission during his sixteen years on the mission field.

After returning to the United States from the mission field, Robert was employed by Lanier Technical College as Lead Instructor at the Adult Education Center in Gainesville, Ga, until his retirement in 2014. Throughout his time teaching, he ministered to his students and coworkers. 

Robert is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joy Sellers Bates.  Three daughters: Julie (Mark) Flores of Farmville, VA, Jennifer Bates and Robin Bates of Flowery Branch, Ga. Two grandchildren: Andrew Flores and Alexandra Flores of Farmville, Va. Foster Children: Fritz (Carolyn) Abernathy and Becky Abernathy, of Helen, Ga. In-Laws: Jean Bates, Peggy Sellers, and Neal (Julie) Sellers. Nephews: Roger (Tammy) Bates, Mike (Vicky) Bates, Steve Bates, Reggie (Lisa) Sellers, Ronnie (Andrea) Sellers, and Jay (Bridgette) Sellers, and several great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Morris Bates, brother-in-law Gary Sellers, and niece Angie Sellers. 

The family would like to thank Family Hospice, especially Liz Baehr and Felicia Johnson, for all the support they provided throughout this journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the International Mission Board’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering or to Gideon’s International.

A viewing will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Memorial Park Funeral Home Main, Gainesville, Ga, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Funeral services will follow immediately, officiated by Rev. Richard Poe and Rev. Julie Flores. The service will be livestreamed.  

Graveside service will take place at 3 PM, Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Old Field Cemetery, Sylva, N.C., officiated by Rev. Mark Flores.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Rd., Gainesville, Ga. 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com