Joseph Ira Bates, 78, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Jeannene Carole Carner Bates entered into eternal rest Sunday, November 16, 2025. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025 at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Northwoods Chapel 2180 Greenridge Road N. Charleston at 2:00.

Joseph was born March 19, 1947 in Roanoke, Virginia, son of the late Calvin Emerald Bates and the late Lois Katherine Nichols Bates. He was a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, where he served in Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He was an avid traveler and loved Texas hold'em poker, fishing and hunting.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by children: Eric J. Bates (Amy) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Dana L. Bates (Gunther) of N. Charleston, SC, and Todd Bates (Lee) of Summerville, SC; grandchildren: Seth N. Bates, Caroline "Haley" Bates, Griffin R. Bates, Spencer C. Bates, Cameron I. Bates, Sierra R. Greimel and Alexandra Lorenz ; sisters: Linda G. Sanders (Monty) of Roanoke, VA, and Tamara L. Bates of Goodview, VA; brother, Karl T. Bates (Bonnie) of Moneta, VA; and many loved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Sandra K. Wilson (Jimmy) of Vinton, VA.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.