Funeral service for Mr. Luther Ellis Bates “The Bird Man”, age 83, of Fayetteville, will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at Higgins Funeral Home. Bro. Roger Bates will officiate. Burial will follow in Stewart’s Creek Cemetery. He passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Donalson Care Center.

Mr. Bates was the son of the late Luther E. and Minnie Bates. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean war and earned a purple heart. Mr. Bates loved building bird houses, watching birds, raising his chickens and going to flea markets.

Mr. Bates is survived by his wife of 66 years Mable Lucille Land Bates; sons Troy (Cindy) Bates and Roger (Denise) Bates all of Fayetteville; a daughter Annette Bates Jefferson of Leavenworth, KS; six grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters; a son-in-law Bob Jefferson; and a granddaughter Carol Lynn Bates.

Visitation with the family will be 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2015 at Higgins Funeral Home.