Talmer T. Bates Jr.

Talmer T. Bates Jr. 79, of Westville passed away at 12:31 p.m. Tuesday November 9, 2010 at Provena USMC Logan Campus. He was born on April 6, 1931 in Clay Morgan, VA the son of Talmer T. Sr. and Gladys Shupe Bates. He married Elizabeth Willis on September 19, 1953 in Gate City, VA. She survives. Other survivors include: his five children, Talmer III (Helen) Bates of Westville, Barry Bates of Ridge Farm, Pamela Billingsley of Westville, Anthony Bates of Kingsport, TN, and Amy (Jeff) Melecosky of Westville; one brother, Ralph (Frances) Bates of Kingsport, TN; eight grandchildren, three step-grandchildren; and twenty great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Kimberly Nigra, one brother, and one sister. Talmer was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War. He retired from Hyster in 1987. Talmer was a coin collector, as well as, an avid gardener and his favorite flowers were the iris. He was a big fan of the Tennessee Lady Vols and the St. Louis Cardinals. A visitation will be held at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, A Life Celebration Home, in Westville, IL, from 5pm " 7pm, Friday, November 12, 2010. A committal service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Kingsport, TN, at 10:00am, Monday, November 15, 2010.