Raymond P. Bates of Bethany, PA died on Sunday, May 8, 2011 from injuries sustained in a tragic accident. He was 74.

He is survived by his wife, the former Sandra J. Reed.

Born on September 19, 1936 in Honesdale, PA, he was the son of the late Henry and Lila (Harvey) Bates.

A graduate of Honesdale High School, Ray was the maintenance groundskeeper at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. He was a member of the Honesdale Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and observing deer and turkeys. He also followed a variety of sports. Ray lived a simple life and will be remembered as a quiet man who loved his family.

He is also survived by brothers Frank Bates and companion Carol of Honesdale, Clifford Bates of Honesdale, Lee Bates and wife Nancy of Beach Lake, Harvey Bates and wife Karen of Honesdale, Jim Bates and wife Kathy of Clarke, NJ and Jerry Bates of Honesdale; sisters Sally Mang and husband Leslie and Marilyn Johnson and husband Jesse, all of Honesdale; sisters-in-law Deanna Bates and Edna Bates, both of Honesdale; an uncle, Alton Harvey; several nieces and nephews; step-daughters Teri Bernard and husband Vincent of Toronto, Canada, Susan Swendsen Harris of Lawrenceburg, KY and Dena Wagner and husband, Daniel of Honesdale.

He is preceded in death by brothers Donald Bates and Vincent Bates.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, May 11 in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Honesdale.