Cover photo for Luther Emerson Bates, Jr's Obituary
Luther Emerson Bates, Jr Profile Photo
1948 Luther 2022

Luther Emerson Bates, Jr

October 8, 1948 — March 18, 2022

Luther Emerson Bates, Jr., 73, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, passed away on March 18, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Luther was born on October 8, 1948 to parents Luther Emerson Bates, Sr. and Margaret Louvina Bates, in McKinney, Texas.

Luther was always academically gifted, graduating as valedictorian from Lancaster High School in 1967. He entered the US Navy in 1970 attending Naval Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes, Illinois, and Field Medical Service School in Camp Lejune, North Carolina, and graduating first in his class at both. Luther achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class and was honorably discharged following four years of service.

Following his service, Luther attended the University of Texas at Arlington where he studied History and Political Science, graduating in 1976 with a 4.0 GPA and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.

Luther met the love of his life, Sylvia Borg, by accident on a Hawaiian cruise in 1984, and they were married the following year, on April 20, 1985. Their love for each other never waned over their 37 years of marriage.

Besides his wife, Luther is survived by son Bryan Bates, daughter Megan Bates and brother Leonard Bates.

The service will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Friday, March 25, at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Luther’s memory may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at https://www.mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL & CREMATION, Goose Creek, 869 St. James Ave., Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Luther Emerson Bates, Jr, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Service

Friday, March 25, 2022

11:00am - 12:00 pm

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

510 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445

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