Phillip Wardlaw Bates

Phillip Wardlaw Bates, Sr., 90, of James Island, SC, husband of Mary Emelene Ratliff Bates, entered into eternal rest Saturday, May 3, 2014, surrounded by his family in his home. His funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2014, in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL at 11:00 am. Interment, Carolina Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Monday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Stuhr's Downtown Chapel.

Mr. Bates was born May 29, 1923 in Springfield, SC, son of the late Edward Bates and the late Jessie Fanning Bates. He married his beautiful bride of 71 years on Christmas Eve in 1942. Mr. Bates honorably served our country during World War II as a member of the United States 34th Infantry, 5th Army Division. In honor of his heroic efforts, he received a Purple Heart and three Battle Star Awards for service in Europe and North Africa, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Invasion of Normandy. Mr. Bates worked as a steam engineer for Southern Railways and later retired as an instructor at Trident Technical College.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Mary Emelene Ratliff Bates; his five sons: Phil Bates (Faye), Richard Bates (Carol), Larry Bates (Mary Ann), Steve Bates (Pam) and Terry Bates (Lisa); his grandchildren: Dean, Jonas, Diana, Greg (Megan), Jeffrey (Megan), and Brandy Lee; his great-grandsons: Anthony and Jamison; and several nieces and a nephew.