Mr. George Wesley Bates, Sr. of Harrisburg, departed this life Wednesday morning, March 20, 2013, at his home, at the age of 87. He was born September 14, 1925 in Waterloo, Alabama, the son of the late Charles Bates and Elma Saulters Bates. George was a retired Street Superintendant for the City of Harrisburg and enjoyed gardening and fishing. He was a World War II Navy veteran and also served in the Army. He was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Maxine Bates of the home, 5 sons, Loren Bates (Sharon) of Ft. Worth, TX, George Bates, Jr. (Karen) of Harrisburg, Terry Bates (Emily) of Lebanon, MO, Allen Bates (Deborah) of Harrisburg, and Bill Taylor (Anne) of Bryant, AR, 3 daughters, Diane Page (Jimmy) of N. Little Rock, Barbie Bates (Larry) of Harrisburg, Lisa Moore (Jim) of Cash, and Betty Bates of Harrisburg, a special niece, Ann Weeks of Harrisburg, 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Funeral services are set for 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Shiloh Baptist Church in Harrisburg with Rev. Dan Brawner officiating. Pallbearers will be Jeff Taylor, Larry Parks, Rod Parks, Wesley Bentley, Krismon Chambers, and Brian Page. Sons and Sons-in-law will serve as honorary pallbearers. Interment will follow in Harrisburg Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Friday evening, 6:00 till 8:00 p.m. Those wishing to send memorials are asked to consider the Shiloh Baptist Church.