John Forsyth Bates, age 91, entered into rest Sunday, September 23, 2018.

A private graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at the Millen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Wednesday evening at the home of Karen and David Sigg from 6-8 PM at 9 Raintree Place.

He was born on September 12, 1927 in Forsyth, GA. He graduated from Millen High School in June, 1944 and enlisted in the Army until his discharge in December, 1946.  He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1949 with a degree in accounting.  Upon graduation, he began his career at Victor Markwalter, CPA.  He earned his CPA Certificate, #709, in September, 1952.  He was elected Secretary-Treasurer of Southern Roadbuilders, Inc. on December 1, 1960.  On January 1, 1984, he was elected President of Southern Roadbuilders and fulfilled this role until his retirement in 1990.

In addition to his professional career, John was a member of First Baptist Church and the Men's Crusader Class. He was an avid golfer at Augusta Country Club and a loyal Georgia Bulldog supporter.  In addition, he enjoyed traveling and hunting.

John was preceded in death by his son, John F. Bates, Jr. Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara and his children William A. Bates (Diane Bates), Karen Bates Sigg (David Sigg),  Diane Bates Leibach (Jim Leibach), his grandchildren, Alex, Stephen, and Chelsea Bates, William and Greyson Sigg, Camille, Thomas and Walker Leibach and three great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Men on Missions, c/o First Baptist Church, 3500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30909.