William Bates

Canton - William Henry "Hank" Bates, 56, passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Care Partners Hospice Solace Center.

A native of West Palm Beach, Florida, he was a son of the late William Henry and Ruth Inman Bates Knight. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Beverly Griffin and his step-father, Wallace Knight. He loved watching NASCAR and was a member and former governor of the Canton Moose Lodge. Hank was also a veteran of the United States Air Force.

He is survived by a daughter, Bridget Carson (Charlie) of Augusta, Georgia; two sisters, Jennifer Turner of Canton and Deborah Bates of Palm Bay, Florida; and one brother-in-law, Chad Pearson of Palm Bay, Florida.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Francis Cove United Methodist Church, 2530 Crymes Cove Road, Waynesville, NC 28786, with the Reverend Melissa Lowe officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:15 until 1:p.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Care Partners Hospice Solace Center, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.

The care of Mr. Bates has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com

Previous Events