Jerry Scates

Jerry Rex Scates, 72, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 1, 2018 at Robin Johnson House, Dallas. He was born May 4, 1946 in Lincoln County to the late Robert Grier Scates and Maven Eva Dellinger Scates Rumney.

Jerry was a member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church in Dallas and served in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. He received the Bronze Star with valor, a Purple Heart and he was a member of the Purple Heart Hall of Fame. Jerry was a Magistrate of Gaston County for 35 years.

Preceded in death by his daughter Tina Sue Scates.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years Linda Hutchins Scates, daughter Candise Scates Reynolds and husband Sidney; granddaughters Brooke Wilson and husband Owen, Ashley McAbee, Kylie Reynolds; special brother Ronnie Scates; nieces Lisa Jackson, and Jennifer Smith; nephew Shane Scates; brother and sister-in-law Steve and Pat Smith; friends Steve and Janie Young.

The Family would like a special thanks to Kindred Home Health Services, Hospice of Gaston County and all the nurses and staff at Robin Johnson House, Dallas for their prayers and support during this difficult time.

His funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm Thursday, July 5, 2018 at First Baptist Church, Bessemer City with Rev. Steve Weaver, Rev. Tom Ravan and Rev. David Poteat officiating.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 pm prior to his service at the church.

Interment will follow at Sunnyside Baptist Church Cemetery, Bessemer City.

Memorials may be made to Robin Johnson House, PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 29854.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to
LANCE CORPORAL JERR Y R. SCA TES UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
"For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Squad Leader with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division. On the afternoon of 10 August 1968, while participating in a battalion size search and destroy operation, Company B was assigned to secure Hill 310 in Quang Nam Province. As the lead element advanced, toward the objective, the Marines suddenly came under intense rocket and automatic weapons fire from a large, well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force. During the ensuing fire fight, the company became pinned down and sustained numerous casualties. From his position as Point Man of his unit, Lance Corporal SCATES rapidly deployed his men while directing their fire upon the enemy emplacements. Boldly leading his Marines in a determined assault across the. fire-swept terrain, he sustained a serious wound. Ignoring his painful injury, he continued moving among his men, shouting words of encouragement to them and skillfully directing their fire. Ordered to withdraw for medical evacuation, Lance Corporal SCATES was occupying a covered position with medical personnel when he suddenly heard his men shout for machine gun fire. Despite being wounded, he rapidly located and seized an M-60 Machine Gun, fearlessly exposing himself to hostile fire as he carried the weapon into the hazardous area and rejoined his squad. Continuing his determined efforts, he skillfully controlled his men and directed accurate suppressive fire upon the enemy forces which enabled casualties to be evacuated to positions of relative safety. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. Lance Corporal SCATES' courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. "
Lance Corporal SCATES is authorized to wear the Combat "V".
FOR THE PRESIDENT

H. W. BUSE, JR.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL. U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE PACFIC