Obituary of Raymond P. Bates

Raymond P. Bates, 74, of Bethany died on Sunday, May 8, 2011 from injuries sustained in a tragic accident. He is survived by his wife, the former Sandra J. Reed. Born on September 19, 1936 in Honesdale, he was the son of the late Henry and Lila (Harvey) Bates. A graduate of Honesdale High School, Ray was the Maintenance Groundskeeper at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. He was a member of the Honesdale Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. He was an avid outdoorsman; he especially enjoyed hunting. Ray was very fond of wildlife and spent much of his time observing the deer and turkeys. He also followed a variety of sports. Ray lived a very simple life, and will be remembered as a quiet man who loved his family. He is also survived by brothers: Frank Bates and his companion Carol of Honesdale, Clifford Bates of Honesdale, Lee Bates and his wife Nancy of Beach Lake, Harvey Bates and his wife Karen of Honesdale, Jim Bates and his wife Kathy of Clarke, NJ, and Jerry Bates of Honesdale; two sisters, Sally Mang and her husband Leslie of Honesdale and Marilyn Johnson and her husband Jesse of Honesdale; two sister-in-laws: Deanna Bates and Edna Bates, both of Honesdale; an uncle, Alton Harvey; and several nieces and nephews; three step-daughters: Teri Bernard and her husband, Vincent of Toronto, Canada, Susan Swendsen Harris of Lawrenceburg, KY, and Dena Wagner and her husband, Daniel of Honesdale. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Donald Bates and Vincent Bates. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Route 191, 2756 Lake Ariel Highway, Honesdale, PA 18431. Friends may visit on Wednesday, from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at the Kingdom Hall. Arrangements are attended by the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home 1228 Main Street Honesdale, PA 18431.