Mr. James Ray Bates, 68, of Linden, passed away Thursday February 1, 2024. He was born in Iron City to the late Marion Brian Bates and Lela Amber Scott Bates.

He was a logger and a auto and truck mechanic. He had worked for both Graham Lumber Company and Dill Lumber Company. Ray enjoyed woodworking, gardening and watching western shows on TV. He also enjoyed coaching and going to watch his children and grandchildren in sporting events. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family working and playing.

In addition to his parents he is also preceded in death by a great-grandson Jayden Blevins, a sister Connie Holt and a brother Steve Bates.

Survivors include his wife Kaye Bates, children Missy (Ronnie) Bates of Iron City, Eddy (Tasha) Davis of Ashland City, Kelley (Jackie) Lawrence of Alabama, Scott (Michelle) Bates of Robbins, Chris (Lori) Bates of Hohenwald, Sonya Bates of Lawrenceburg, Jug (Jerika Erskin) Bates of Scotts Hill, Ryan (Tara) Bates of Lebanon, 24 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, a sister Tammy Bates of Georgia, brothers Marion (Jenny) Bates of Lawrenceburg and Ronnie (Missy) Bates of Iron City and a host of other loving family members and many friends.

Funeral service was held on Febuary, 6 2024 at Young Funreal Home in Linden, Burial followed at Dr. O.A. Kirk Memorial Cemetery Linden. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the funeral home for burial expenses.