Edward William Bates 94 of Fayetteville, passed away on September 26, 2022, at his residence.

Mr. Bates was born on August 5, 1928, in Girard, Georgia to the late Edgar Warren Bates and Alice Wood Bates. He retired from the U.S. Army Special Forces after 21 years of service.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Mr. Bates was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Virginia Hetzel Bates, and his sister, Ruth Crosby.

He is survived by his son, Bill Bates, and his wife Andrea; grandchildren, Brennie Conkle and husband Brandon, and Mallory Bates; great grandchildren, Jackson, and Austin Conkle.

Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com