Thomas Bates Iii

Thomas Victor "Vic" Bates, III, 69, of Moore, SC, died Monday, May 25, 2015, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home after a period of declining health. He was the beloved husband of Katharine Richards Bates. Born January 6, 1946, in Spartanburg, he was the son of Thomas Victor Bates, Jr. and Margaret Taylor Bates. He graduated from Spartanburg High School and attended Gardner-Webb University. Vic was a former partner in the Correll Insurance Group. Vic worked passionately for the Spartanburg Children's Shelter and served on the board for over 20 years. Under his leadership, the Shelter moved to its new home, now Hope Center for Children. He was a past president of the Downtown Sertoma Club. Vic was a gentle man who forgave with ease. He believed that one should give of oneself always. He will be missed by many, especially his Thursday Lunch Bunch. Survivors, in addition to his wife of 43 years, include two daughters, Laura Katharine Bates and Rebekah Taylor Bates; two grandchildren, Nathan Alexander Bates and Chloe Victoria Bates; two sisters; two nephews; two nieces; and a host of devoted friends. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 28, 2015, in Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Ave., Spartanburg, SC 29302. Visitation will follow at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hope Center for Children, PO Box 1731, Spartanburg, SC 29304; or the Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303. Floyds North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas "Vic" Victor Bates III please visit our Sympathy Store.