He spent many years in retail management in stores throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Gene enjoyed travelling the country with his late wife and attending sporting events with his family. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. In later years, Gene received much joy from raising his black labs, Lacey and Lucy.
Gene was predeceased by his beloved wife, Martha F. Bates, in 2004.
Surviving are his son, Chris Bates and significant other, Amy, of Denville, New Jersey, a sister-in-law and her husband, Betty and Zoro Guice of Hendersonville, N.C.; a sister-in-law, Linda Funderburk of Thomasville, North Carolina, a number of nieces and nephews, and close friends, Gail, Blake, and Meredith.
Burial will follow at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary, 5604 New Road, Hollywood, SC 29449; https://www.classy.org/give/153728/#!/donation/checkout
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Bates family.
