Lt. Bates

Andrew Lafayette Bates, 99, of Spartanburg, SC, died Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at RoseCrest Retirement Community-Inman, SC. Born July 21, 1918, in Lobelville, TN, he was the son of the late Carter and Miriam DePriest Bates. He was married for 62 years to the late Frances Couch Bates. Andrew graduated from Perry County High School, Linden, TN and Dickinson Business College in Nashville, TN. A U. S. Army Air Corps veteran, Mr. Bates served in the 79th Troop Carrier Squadron, 436th Troop Carrier Group, during World War II. He was the first pilot certified to fly the British Horsa Glider. On the D-Day invasion of Normandy, he carried troops from the 82nd Airborne Division, a jeep and trailer filled with communications equipment, combat supplies and a lifeboat. Due to the brave acts performed on June 6, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented a Presidential Citation to the Flight Squadron. He was also a recipient of a Purple Heart. After the war, Andrew returned to Spartanburg to continue his work in the financial business and later as a salesman for Burwell Chevrolet and Jo King Oldsmobile. Andrew was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church where he faithfully served as an usher, on the Administrative Board, Junior High Sunday School teacher, and president of the Bethelship Sunday School Class for 10 years. He was a member, president, and District Governor of the former American Business Club. A 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite, and a lifetime member of both the St. John's Lodge #333 and the Piedmont Lodge of Perfection, he was also a Shriner. Andrew was also proud to be a member of the American Legion Post #28 and the Silent Wings, a National World War II Glider Pilot Association. "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 was his daily Bible quote and his way of life was also embodied in the inspirational verses of "Christmas Gifts": "CHRISTMAS GIFTS" To our enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all men, Charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. -Oren Arnold He loved his family greatly and always looked for the positive things in life. Survivors include his children, Carter Bates and Cynthia B. Woodrum (Michael), all of Spartanburg, SC; five grandchildren. Matthew Bates (Suzanne) of South Windsor, CT, Andrew Bates (Amy) of Phoenix, AZ, Christopher Bates (Danielle) of Bountiful, UT, Julia Bettencort (David) of San Jose, CA, and Catherine Pogue (Kevin) of Spartanburg, SC; and 15 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a son, Andrew L. Bates, Jr.; and siblings, Ralph Bates, Curtis Bates, and Marjorie Tarpy. A graveside service will be conducted at 3:00 PM Sunday, November 19, 2017, in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307, by the Rev. David E. Nichols. Visitation will be at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 245 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. The family expresses thanks to the staff on the Orchardview Wing at RoseCrest and to Lutheran Hospice caregivers for the special interest and excellent care they provided to Andrew. The family is at the home. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lt. Andrew L. Bates (Ret.) please visit our Sympathy Store.