J. Hollis Bates, age 90, of Alpharetta, GA, passed away on December 7, 2015 2015. He was a generous, hardworking, loyal and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, son and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Hollis is survived by his loving wife of over 67 years, LaVerne Reece Bates, and three children: Pamela Bates Duncan, Patti Bates Lyons and James Randall "Randy" Bates; seven grandsons: Travis Wayne Duncan, Jacob Patrick Lyons, Michael Harrison Bates, Andrew Christopher Bates, Joseph Samuel Lyons, Mickey Wade Duncan, and Jared Lucas Lyons; and two great-grandchildren: William Wayne Duncan and Noralee Stancel Duncan. He is preceded in death by brothers James Homer "Junior" Bates and James Paul Bates and sister Leola Bates Abercrombie; and parents Nancy Lewis Bates of Jasper, GA, and James Homer Bates of Ellijay, GA.

Hollis was born and raised in Cherokee County and graduated from Reinhardt High School in Waleska, GA, in 1941. He was employed for over 40 years with Georgia Power Company, retiring in 1986 as General Manager of Decatur District. Hollis also owned an appliance installation and repair company named Northeast Electro.

Hollis was a member of Roswell Masonic Lodge #165 for over 50 years; a 20-year perfect attendance member of Tucker Kiwanis Club, serving as both President and Vice President; a 30-year member of the Georgia Power Ambassadors Club for retirees; and a long time member of Northside Baptist Church in Roswell, GA.

Hollis enjoyed all sports, and was an avid water skier and charter member of the first waterski club at Lake Allatoona in Acworth, GA, in 1956. He helped coach little league baseball in Tucker, GA, and enjoyed playing golf. He was also a music enthusiast who often spent retirement days playing guitar and mandolin with his brother and uncles.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at Northside Chapel on Crabapple Road in Roswell, GA. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Northside Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to Northside Baptist Church on Houze Road in Alpharetta, GA.