Vance D. Bates

Vance D. Bates, 87, of Benton passed away Monday, April 7, 2014 in a local healthcare facility. He was of Baptist faith. Mr. Bates was preceded in death by his parents, W.I. and Margaret (Charlsie) Hall Bates; children, Gary McPherson, Brenda Clayton and Virgil Laughter and siblings, Ira Bates, Johnny Bates, Doss Collins, Lena Rogers, Edith Bettis, Bee Dunn and Blanche Leatherwood. He is survived by his wife, Doris Mason Bates; children, Terri Lynn Bates (Tootsie), Vance Darrell Bates (Batesy) and wife Cathy and Jackie Davis Bates and wife Vicki; stepchildren, Ellis Laughter and wife, Julie and Claude Laughter and wife, Ruth; son-in-law, David Clayton. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2014 in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Reverend Carl Haulk officiating. Interment will follow in Benton Memorial Gardens a white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at the funeral home. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Bates family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.