Funeral services for Paul Lamont Bates, age 88, will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Cochran Ward). Burial will be in Bowers Cemetery. Officiating will be Bishop, Ryan Davis. Born February 5, 1935 in Bleckley County, Paul was the son of the late Arthur Marion and Laura Susan Jones Bates. He attended Cochran Public Schools. He married the love of his life, Betty C. Bates, in 1954. After retirement from Robins Air Force Base, he worked with the Boll Weevil Eradication Program. He was an avid gardener and could often be found tinkering on various mechanical jobs. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Cochran Ward where he served on several occasions as a Counselor to the Bishop. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dona LeGuin. Those left behind to celebrate his life are his wife of 69 years; children; His grandchildren; His Brothers; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and devoted friend. Pallbearers are ... The family is at the Bates Residence and will greet friends following the service.