Chester "Shorty" Lee Bates

Chester “Shorty” Lee Bates, 65, of Moneta, Virginia passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025. He was the son of the late Jim Bates and Mary Ethel Robertson.

Chester was born on February 12, 1960, in Virginia. He was an accomplished arborist who enjoyed landscaping and working on small motors in his free time.

He is survived by his children, Christopher Bates and wife, Faye, Jason Bates and wife Melissa; grandchildren, Trinity Bates, Payton Hartberger, Jason Bates, Jr., and Abigail Bates; step-grandson, Seth Koon; sister, Dale Thomas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving friends in the community.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to assist the family with funeral expenses by accessing the following link. Chester "Shorty" Lee Bates Donation Link

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford.

Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford is assisting the family.