John B Moates

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home would like to announce, on behalf of the family, the passing of Bishop John B. Moates. 

Bishop John B. Moates, age 62, of Silver Creek, GA, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 2, 2023.

John was born in Springfield, Illinois on October 10, 1960, son of the late Bishop Ernest Cleveland Moates and the late Helen Louise Foster Moates. John gave his life to Christ in the Summer of 1975 at Williston Church of God in Williston, SC. His received his Exhorter credentials with the Church of God on August 30, 1979, and his Minister credentials on May 25, 1982. He was a graduate of Holmes Bible College in Greenville, SC.

Pastor Moates began his Pastoral ministry at Leo Church of God in Lake City, SC, where he served as Pastor from 1982 until 1984. He moved to Pastor East Camden Church of God, Camden, SC, in 1984, received his Ordained Bishop credentials during that time, and served there until 1990. After serving at Mt. Gallant Church of God, Rock Hill, SC, and Perimeter North Church of God, Chamblee, GA, he moved to the area to Pastor Lindale Church of God from September 20, 1998, until March 6, 2011. From Lindale, he served at Cedartown Church of God for 10 years and became Pastor at Armuchee Church of God on January 18, 2021, where he currently served. Bishop Moates was a true 1 Timothy 3 Pastor and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Donna Manning Moates, to whom he married on December 27, 1981, beginning many years of ministry together; his 2 sons, Jonathan E. Moates (Kim), Cedartown, and Jeremy D. Moates, Lindale; 2 granddaughters, Dakota Lee Moates and Addison Marie Moates; a sister, Jean Moates Dean (Bob), Greer, SC; a brother, Dan Moates (Linda), Ocala, FL; nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 3pm in the Chapel at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Bishop Thomas Madden officiating. Private interment will follow later in Rome Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, on Saturday from 5 until 7pm.

Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, has charge of the funeral arrangements.