Charles Russell Bates, age 75, of Ink, Arkansas died Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at the National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs. He was born on Monday, June 28, 1943 to James Russell and Marie Whisenhunt Bates in Ink, Arkansas.
Charles was an avid outdoorsmen, spending time going and looking for arrowheads, going deer hunting and catching fish. He loved his family and spending time with them. Charles got great joy from his 1972 Candy Brandywine Red AMC Rebel Machine and picking his guitar and mandolin, playing music as Hillbilly Charlie the clown. Charles worked 34 years at US Motors before he retired. Charles was a member of the Northside Church of Christ. Charles was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, and will be missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Tracy “Mudflap” Bates and his sister, Mary Lou Hobbs.
He is survived by his wife, Lula Bates of Ink; his daughter and son in law, Connie and Jay Gilchrist of Ink; two step sons and daughters in law, Michael and Amy Thurman of Norman, Oklahoma, Shawn and Brandee Thurman of Aurora, Missouri; four grandchildren, Justin Bates of Morrilton, Arkansas, Will Thurman of Norman, Oklahoma, Devyn Thurman and Ashlyn Thurman of Aurora, Missouri; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Friday, March 29, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel with Jeremy Jones officiating. Interment followed in the Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena. Visitation was Thursday, March 28, 2019 from 6-8 P.M. at the Bowser family Funeral Home Chapel.
Pallbearers were Dwight Powell, Jerry Hansbrough, Dale Emery, James Gentry, Duane Powell, and Jimmy Wagner.
Honorary Pallbearer was Wayne Reid.
Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com
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Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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