Olin Jackson Bates, age 95, passed away October 5, 2015. Mr. Bates is survived by his children Colleen Bates Lance, Edith Grace Bates, Melinda Susan Bates, and Laura Kathleen Bates; his son-in-law Virgil Penland; loving nieces and nephews and as a beloved father figure to Patricia Dean Robertson, daughter of his dear friend, fishing companion, and kindred spirit, Bill Robertson.

Mr. Bates is preceded in death by his wife Kathleen Whitlow Bates; parents Colonel Jones (C.J.) Bates and Bertha Alice Watson Bates; his sister Edith Mae Bates; brothers Terry Wendell Bates and Donald John Bates; niece Nancy Bates Daugherty; and son-in-law Steve Bernard Lance.

Olin Bates was born in Powder Springs, GA on January 29, 1920, and after several moves as a young child, the family settled in Cedartown in the late 1920's. When he was 16 months old, Olin contracted polio that permanently paralyzed his left side. For the rest of his life he walked with crutches. However, Olin never acknowledged the meaning of the word "disability". He had amazing physical ability – he rode a bike, skated down the College Street railroad bridge, played par golf, hunted, climbed ladders, fished, danced and drove a stick shift jeep all over the Chubbtown woods. No one ever thought of Olin Bates as handicapped.

After moving to Cedartown Olin excelled in school and graduated with honors from Cedartown High School in 1937. The Kiwanis Club offered him a four-year college scholarship to the college of his choice, and he chose his beloved Georgia Tech. Because it was during the Depression, jobs were more valued than college. Mr. Wright of Wright and Lopez suggested Olin work for a year before going to Tech, so he did, and he stayed for 38 years until 1975. Early in his tenure, W&L sent him to oversee sites in Nashville, Chattanooga and Miami and as he subsequently traveled through the Southeast, Olin knew the names of the crews. During her college years in the early 70's, daughter Edie recalls coming across a W&L crew during a drive with Olin through rural Kentucky. She stopped the car so Olin could get out and greet the workers, many by name. On another occasion, while eating at a restaurant with daughter Melinda in Young Harris, GA, a man who had been on a W & L crew came into the restaurant and recognized Olin. Olin called him by name, even though it had been twenty or more years since he had seen him. Olin worked his way up at W&L from copy boy to Executive Vice President and Comptroller and contributed to much of the success and growth of the company. His pride in his work with Mr. Wright and Mr. Lopez stayed with him until the day he died.

In 1941, Olin began "moonlighting" at WGAA radio. One of his biggest memories he told his daughters about was what happened on December 7, 1941. The news of the Pearl Harbor attack came across the wire and he announced to the community that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor. For years he kept the wire service notification of that historic day.

Mr. Bates married Kathleen Whitlow on February 25, 1950 and they were together just three months shy of 65 years. He sent all his daughters and his wife to college, provided appropriate automobiles and allowances, and wondered why his bill from the Moore's Pharmacy cosmetic counter was so high. Olin's other abiding loves besides his wife and daughters were football, his faith in God, the Exchange Club, playing Gin Rummy at the Cherokee Country Club, and spending time with his life-long friends.

As another non-paying job, Olin broadcast the Cedartown High School football games from 1942 to 1961, and with dear friends Coach Howard "Doc" Ayers and umpire Bill Bruner, he experienced CHS Bulldog football life to the fullest. He went to practices and traveled with the team, and many players from that era still fondly recall his devotion and encouragement to the team players. He also had the honor of broadcasting the Georgia Tech games in 1950, beating out several well-known Atlanta announcers for the job. Those who remember his deep and resonant radio voice are lucky – there is no other like it. And there are still some who recall him sprinting up the steep stadium stairs on crutches faster than most people on two legs.

In addition to his football life with Doc, other close friends were a big part of Olin's life: playing cards with Judge Dan Winn, hunting with Wayne Gammon who was also his business partner in several real estate deals. Olin was so well known in Cedartown that his daughters became used to the question "are you Olin's daughter?".

Mr. Bates was a faithful member of the Cedartown Exchange Club for 42 years, attending meetings every Thursday night, becoming President and serving on the State Board of Directors. He was named Georgia Outstanding Exchangite in 1958, received the Golden Book of Deeds award, and is remembered today as an honorary member. Olin was on the Cedartown Board of Education for many years and was proud to have signed hundreds of high school diplomas. He was also a Shriner at the Yaarab temple for many years.

Olin's faith was his rock: he taught Sunday school at the First Baptist Church for 22 years, a commitment he took seriously as his daughters witnessed him diligently preparing the lessons every Sunday morning. When he later joined St. James Episcopal Church, he served as a member of the vestry as well as being the church treasurer. He had a regular seat at both churches.

Olin Bates' greatest gift to his daughters was his deep, abiding and unconditional love, which they returned in full measure. His devotion to Kathleen in their declining years was as tender and sweet as his unmatched strength during his long life and their 65 years together. When asked several years ago how he would like to be remembered he said, "I did my best in a town that I loved".

The family will receive guests at Gammage Funeral Home on Thursday, October 8, 2015 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, October 9, 2015, at the St. James Episcopal Church of Cedartown, and will be officiated by the Reverend Kemper Anderson and the Reverend Terri Brice. Friends may send flowers or make a donation to St. James Episcopal Church or the Cedartown Exchange Club.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Virgil Penland, Edward Graves Jr., John Brewster, Hank Mobley, Wright Gammon, Olin Gammage III; honorary pallbearers include Howard "Doc" Ayers, Judge Dan Winn, Dr. Jerry Weaver, and George Hunt.

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for Mr. Olin Jackson Bates.