Paul Alan Bates

Paul Alan Bates
Paul Alan Bates, age 75, of Columbia, TN passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
Born on September 25, 1948, in Lawrenceburg, TN, Paul was the son of the late Paul J. Bates and the late Louise Boyd Bates. He loved Lawrence County and was never hesitant to tell people he was born and raised there. He honorably served in the United States Navy from 1967 – 1971. He attended Law School at the University of Memphis, and practiced law in Lawrenceburg from 1976 – 2010, at which time he retired. He was also a substitute Lawrenceburg City Judge for fifteen years. He was a member of the Tennessee Bar Association and a member (and past President) of the Lawrence County Bar Association. Along with various other organizations, he was past member of the American Bar Association, Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, and The Association of Trial Lawyers of America. He served on the Board of Directors of Lawrenceburg Power System from 1995 – 2011, and he served on the Maury County Board of Zoning Appeals. Along with his career and involvement in numerous organizations, Paul loved his dogs, was an avid reader, and enjoyed sports, traveling, and the beach.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother: Tim Bates.
Survivors include his wife: Brenda Bates of Columbia, TN; daughter: Meredith Bates Humbert (Christian) of Kingsport, TN; stepson: Cory Muehlbauer (Carmen) of Columbia, TN; sister: Kim Chunn of Cumming, GA; brother: Charles Matthew Bates of Lawrenceburg, TN; grandchildren: Grace Humbert and Evelyn Humbert of Kingsport, TN, Willa Muehlbauer of Columbia, TN; sister-in-law: Leatha Bates of Pulaski, TN; and nephews: Ben Bates (Ashlee), Nathan Chunn (Jennifer), Daniel Chunn, and Jacob Bates.
Funeral services for Paul Alan Bates were held Monday, November 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home. Burial followed at Maury Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the United States Navy. The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Caris Hospice, especially Mariah, Brittney, and Casey for their care for Paul during this difficult time. Heritage Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family by way of: www.TnFunerals.com.