Leonard Gordon Bates, 76, of Franklin, passed away July 9, 2010.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Bruce W. Bates and Cleo Cowart Bates. He was a US Army Veteran and member of the VFW Post 7339; American Legion Post 108 and Junaluskee Masonic Lodge 145. Leonard loved his family greatly. He was a member of Mashburn Branch Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth "Boots" Welch Bates; a son, Terry Bates and wife Debbie of Franklin; a brother, Dolan Bates of Franklin; a sister, Mildred Rogers of Franklin; a grandson, Todd Bates; two great grandchildren, Kylie Bates and Cole Bates and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 11, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Ernie Sanders and Rev. Mike Chastain will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the VFW Post 7339 and the American Legion Post 108.

The family will receive friends from 1-3:00 p.m. Sunday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Andy Holden, Clark Suttle, Joey Gibson, Jack Baird, Sterling Pangle and Jay Hooper.

Otis Welch and Carl Angel will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

Memorial donations can be made to Mashburn Branch Baptist Church.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com