Carlton Bates

Rev. Carlton Bates, age 70 of Lula, passed away Tuesday, September 01, 2009, at his residence following a sudden illness.

Born in Hall County on September 14, 1938, he was the son of Viola Ellen Baugh Bates and the late Wilbur Bates. He was retired from Mt. Vernon Mills as a technician and was a former pastor and member of Emmaus Baptist Church. He enjoyed gardening, the outdoors and farming. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by his brother, James Michael Bates.

Surviving are wife, Ellen Purdy Bates of Lula; daughter and son-in-law, Pam & Craig Broome of Lula; mother, Viola Ellen Baugh Bates of Lula; brother and sister-in-law, Billy Ray & Ramona Bates of Lula; sisters and brothers-in-law, Betty Ann & Junior Campbell and Marie & Otis Grindle all of Lula; grandchildren, Ansley Isabella Broome and Caleb Matthew Broome; he is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are 2:00 pm Thursday, September 03, 2009, at the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Cotton Harris and Rev. Charles Phillips officiating. Interment will follow in Emmaus Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Marty Murphy officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Wednesday.

An online guest register is available at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706.778.8668) is in charge of arrangements.