George Edward Scates, age 88 of Ellijay, passed away on Thursday evening, January 25th, 2024, at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper.

George Scates was born on October 24th, 1935, in Carter, Tennessee, to the late Carrick Alvin Scates and Juanita Smith Scates. In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his son, Edward "Eddie" Scates.

As a young adult, George served with the rank of Sergeant in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic and later as a machinist at General Electric. He enjoyed fixing everything. The remarkable skills he acquired during his life gave him the ability to repair just about anything. He enjoyed gardening, and he loved horses. George was also an active member of Clear Creek Baptist Church and always eager to help bring the annual Christmas Nativity to life.

George is survived by his wife, Jackie Hill Scates of the home; son, Scott (Diane) Scates of Douglasville; sister, Alice Sanders of Elberton; Jackie's children; Ginger Moff of Decatur, and Louis (Dana) Day of New Jersey.

George found so much joy in those who called him Papaw. Grandchildren; Lauraanne, Garrett, Jenna, Dylan, Lucas, Caitlin (Andy), Sydney (Rufus), and Silvan; great-grandchildren, Emmie, Cameron, Carter, Jack, and Eric.

He will forever be missed by everyone who called him family, and friend.

"Those we love never truly leave us.

There are things that death cannot touch."

-          Jack Thorn

Funeral services will occur on Monday, January 29th at 2:00 PM at Clear Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Billy Dotson, Rev. Jerry Banks, and Rev. Scott Watkins officiating. Music performed by Louis Day.

Interment will follow at the Clear Creek Baptist Church cemetery. Following the service, Clear Creek Baptist Church will have a meal prepared for family and friends in the church fellowship hall.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 28th, 2024 from 4:30 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Flowers are welcome in memory of George Scates; however, the family respectfully asks that no food be brought to the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home will oversee the arrangements.