John Smith Bates, Sr., age 65, of Amelia, passed away on April 16, 2018.  He is survived by his mother Mabel Pembelton; sons John Smith Bates Jr. (Ami) of Amelia, Daniel Wayne Bates of Jetersville and Anthony Ryan Bates (Kelly) of NC; grandchildren John "Tripp" Bates III, Meadow Bates, Lilly Bates, William Bates, Anthony "AJ" Bates Jr., Zachary Bates, Rayden Reeves, Serenity Reeves, Sarah Reeves and Camron Applegate; great-grandchildren Caidin Bates, Patrick Williams, and Jaxon Reeves; nephews Fletcher Bates III and Ronald Bates Jr.; nieces Lisa Bates, Michelle Wilson, Jennifer Seabrook, Stacy Tinsley, Brianna Tinsley, Tina Brown and Mary Brown.  Interment will be private.