Dr. Jack Miles Bates

Dr. Jack Miles Bates, age 86 of Gainesville, passed away on April 2, 2018.

Perceptive, gentle, and thoroughly original, Jack Miles Bates was born in Seneca, South Carolina on May 17, 1931. From his earliest days, Jack was a dichotomy of sorts. While both quiet and introspective, he was also precocious, clever, and playfully mischievous, characteristics he retained until his final days.

The first member of his family to graduate college, Jack excelled academically and went onto earn his undergraduate degree from Emory University and medical degree from Medical College of Georgia. He practiced psychiatry for over 35 years and is remembered by his patients as a wise, steady, and nonjudgmental caregiver. A man of probing and profound faith, he was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Gainesville for nearly 50 years. Exhibiting endless curiosity throughout his entire life, he had a deep love for classical music and language, interests he explored with characteristic depth and meticulousness during his retirement.

Jack is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Shirley, as well as his four children, Jackie, John, Parker, and Laurie. He was a dedicated grandfather to his 7 grandchildren: Justin, Alex, Ashley, Reece, Reagan, Crayton, and Jackson (Duke). His service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 7 in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Gainesville. The family will receive friends after the service in the parlor of the church.

Online condolences can be made at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200.