Harlon Lee Bates, Jr., age 75, of Smithville passed away Monday June 16, 2025, at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.

Mr. Bates was a member of Pomeroy Chapel Church and worked at Carrier Corporation for 37 years.

He was born August 12, 1949, to his parents the late Harlon Lee and Maudie Rene Bates, Sr., In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Bates; two children, Chris and Jason Bates; half-brothers, Allen Myrtle Bates and Homer Bates; half-sister, Thelma Jean Brazier.

He is survived by children, Jeffery Lee Bates of Smithville, and Carol (Curt) Morse of Sparta and three stepchildren; grandchildren, Brian (Samantha) Bates, Kalene (Storm) Farley, Meghan and Curt Morse, Jr.; great-grandchild, Kayden Bates; numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive; sisters, Ann Pinegar, Cathy Edge, Lou (Eddie) Stanley.

Funeral service was held Friday June 20, 2025, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Donnie Kelly and Bro. Bryan Jones officiating. Burial followed in DeKalb Cemetery.

Pallbearers included Curt Morse, Curt Morse, Jr., Storm Farley, Eddie Stanley, Patrick Edge, and James Brazier.

In lieu to flowers the family ask donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Memory of Mr. Bates.