Harry Douglas Bates

 Harry Douglas Bates, born March 4, 1940 in Experiment, GA to Wendell Robert Bates and Frances Price Bates passed into the presence of our Lord January 5, 2016. He graduated from the Georgia Academy for the Blind 1958.  He received his Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from the University of Georgia, Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Florida and Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.  He retired as a clinical psychologist at the NE GA Community Mental Health Center and he had a private practice. Harry is survived by his wife, Linda, of Hoschton, daughters Harriet Eason (Charles) of Macon and Lori Vickery (Marty) of Lavonia, son Brad (Susan) of Norwood, stepsons Mike Venable of Buford, Eric Venable (Julie) and Dan Venable (Kathy) of Jefferson, grandchildren Emily and Lucas Vickery, Jonathan and Lydia Eason, and Matt, Noah, Abbie, Parker, and Jack Venable and his most beloved friend, Larry Gerstein of Bowling Green, KY. He enjoyed his family and friends and reading Louis L'Amour. A memorial celebration will be held at Ebenezer UMC, Jefferson, GA Sunday, January 10, 2016, 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to the Student Fund, Georgia Academy for the Blind, 2895 Vineville Ave, Macon, GA 31204.  Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA, 30548, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org, 706-654-0966.