Mr. Robert Lawrence Bates, Sr., age 73, of Jasper passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at his home. Mr. Bates was born on April 26, 1941 in Washington, D.C. to the late Louis and Clara Mai Bates.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Bates of Jasper; sons, Robert L. Bates, Jr., Davis Edward Bates, and William Stanford Bates; brother, Tommy Bates; and grandson, Nicholas Bates.

A service will be planned at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home & Crematory in Jasper, GA.