Gladys Ernestine Bates, age 86, of Oak Ridge, passed away Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at Summit View Health Care Center in Knoxville.

She was born April 1, 1927, in Hatchechubbee, Ala., the daughter of Mattie Bell King and Harry Perry.

Mrs. Bates retired from the Oak Ridge Hospital, where she worked in the dietary department. She was a member of Oak Valley Baptist Church. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening and cooking.

She was preceded in death by husband Bill Bates and son Dewayne Bates. [Read more…]