Mr. Jimmy Lee Bates, Sr., age 77, a resident of Thomasville, passed away Tuesday morning, July 30, 2013. He was born in Lexington, N.C. on January 19, 1936 to Murphy and Ethel Bates. He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Dorothy H. Bates; daughters, Theresa Bullin and husband Bobby, Deborah Debenham and husband Rick; a son, Jimmy Lee Bates, Jr. and wife Angel; sisters, Pattie Everhart and Barbara Padgett; brothers, Murphy Bates, Sr. and wife Doris and Ray Edward Bates and wife Denise; grandchildren, Lynn Peterson, Kelly Owens and husband C.J., Adam Warwick, Bree Miller and husband Alex and Will Bates; and a great-granddaughter, Rhiley Warwick. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter Somer Bree Warwick. He was employed by Modern Carving Company for twenty-five years and was owner of Bates Enterprise. After retirement he enjoyed wood carving, camping, fishing and especially watching his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He was such a loving father and exceptional grandfather who lived his life to the fullest. "Mere words cannot express the gratitude to the doctors, nurses and respiratory staff of High Point Regional Hospital, 4th floor ICU for their compassionate love and care to my husband, our father, our brother and our family." Funeral services will be held Friday, August 2, 2013 at 2 P.M. in J.C. Green & Sons Chapel with Rev. Hank Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 6 to 8 P.M. and other times at the home. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials may be directed to Cooperative Community Ministry, P.O. Box 1841, Thomasville, N.C. 27361. Online condolences may be sent to the Bates family at www.jcgreenandsons.com.