BONNIE WEBB BATES, 86
Bonnie Webb Bates, 86, of Clinton, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 8, 2015, at The University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was born March 26, 1928, to the late John and Cassie Webb, of Clinton, Tennessee.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Grover C. Bates, the love of her life. Together they owned and operated Raccoon Valley Truck Stop in Heiskell, Tennessee. Bonnie's greatest joy in life was her three children and their families, especially caring for her grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook, and loved cooking for others. She also was actively involved in a Christian ministry called the Joy Singers, a youth group that traveled around the country for a week during the summer. She, along with many others, accompanied the young people and cooked for the group. Bonnie was saved at an early age and became a member of the First Baptist Church, Clinton, Tennessee. Later she and her husband became members of Main Street Baptist Church, Lake City, Tennessee, where she served until her death. Bonnie maintained her trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. Her loving heart and servant spirit will be missed by many.

Bonnie was also preceded in death by three siblings: J. T. Webb, Bernice Webb and Wilma Jean Nell. Survivors include three children: Gary (Judy) Bates of Clinton, Roger (Bonnie) Bates of Powell, and Gloria (David) Robinson of Andersonville; seven grandchildren: Krista Bates Rayburn, Adam Bates, Cassie Bates McGinley, Tyler Bates, Justin, Corbin and Austin Robinson; two great-grandchildren: Ella and Bailey Rayburn; special friend, Linda Varsalona; and a host of other dear and devoted family members and friends.

The visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2015, at Main Street Baptist Church, Rocky Top, Tennessee. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 7:00 p.m., with the Reverend Wayne Phillips officiating. Interment will be Friday, February 13, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens, Claxton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Main Street Baptist Church, P. O. Box 405, Rocky Top, Tennessee 37769. www.holleygamblefh.com