Joseph Raymond Bates

SSGT Joseph Bates (Retired), 43, of Maryville, TN, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, March 19, 2016. Joseph was a graduate of Pine River High School, before graduation he joined the United States Marine Corps. He was in 5th Bn 10th Marine Supply when he retired. After retirement he moved to Maryville with his wife Christina T. (Matusko) Bates and his 3 children Donald, Ryan, and Alyshia. Joe was a great man. If you met him you met a friend for life. Always willing to lend a hand and share a pot of coffee, full of life, laughter, one liners, jokes and loved spending time with all the kids at Young Marines. Joe was heavily involved in the Wounded Warrior Program, Amputee Coalition, and DAV here in TN and NC. He is survived by: Parents, Harry & Barb Bates; Brothers, William Bates & Harold Bates; Sisters, Cathy (Bates) Hall and Anna Bates. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will be at 7:00 PM with Rev. Stan Jeter and Rev. Chad Erickson officiating. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph Raymond Bates please visit our Sympathy Store.