Pickens, SC – Rev. John Lester Bates, 74, a former resident of Transylvania County, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 12, 2016. A native of Murphy, NC, he was the son of the late Lester Bates and Flonnie Reese Bates. He was also predeceased by two sisters, Jean Owens and Wynetta Hoxit and 3 brothers. Lester Bates, Dickie Roberts, and Willert Bates. Rev. Bates was a member of Charley's Creek Baptist Church and had pastored at many churches in Pickens County. He was a heavy equipment operator and he loved visiting people. Surviving are his wife, Virginia Hoxit Bates; daughters, Keitha Ellenburg and husband William, and Eunice Bates all of Pickens; son, Broadus Bates and wife Lisa of Pickens; sister, Martha Goins of Tennessee; brothers, Larry Bates of Pickens, and James Bates and wife Lou Ellen of Tuckasegee, NC; grandchildren, Chris Ellenburg, Matthew Morris, Rose Bates, Stephanie Bates. Johnny Bates, and Megan Morris; great-grandchildren, Camille Morris, Denver Bates, and Grannon Bates. The funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at Charley's Creek Baptist Church, Tuckasegee, NC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. On line condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com. Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.