Raymond James Bates, Sr., age 58, of Honesdale, PA., died Thursday afternoon, July 26, 2007 at the VNA Hospice Unit at Community Medical Center, Scranton, PA., after a lengthy illness and diabetic complications. Born July 16, 1949 in Honesdale, PA., he was the son of Virginia (Bishop) Potter of Honesdale and the late Louis Bates. He was a self employed mechanic. He is survived by three children: Colleen Nicole Lefferts and her family, Raymond James Bates Jr. and Christopher Lee Bates and their children all of Honesdale, PA.; one brother: Gary Bates of Honesdale, PA.; two half sisters: Molly Cornilson of Tennessee and Jeannie of Honesdale, PA.; Several Nieces Nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother: Robert Bates. No services were held at the request of the family. Cremation took place at the Maple Hill Crematory, Archbald, PA. Carmine J. Louis C. Parise Funeral Home, Inc., Carbondale, PA., assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences and Sympathies may be sent to the family at: 1208 East Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.