Bernhard N. Bates

Bernhard Norbert Bates (“Bernie”), 73, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and quiet strength. Born on December 28, 1952, in Würzburg, Germany, Bernie spent his childhood and early adult years in Clarksville, Tennessee, where he was raised and shaped by the values that guided him throughout his life.

In 1975, Bernie made Columbia, South Carolina, his home—a place where he would build a meaningful career, lasting friendships, and a life filled with purpose. A self‑taught artist, Bernie saw the world through a creative lens, expressing himself through his artwork and finding joy in the process of making something beautiful with his own hands.

Bernie graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1982 with an Associate Degree in Nursing. His career reflected his deep compassion for others, as he served in a variety of healthcare settings including Lexington Medical Center, Charter Rivers, the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, the South Carolina State Hospital, and ultimately the South Carolina Department of Corrections, where he retired from nursing. His work touched countless lives, and he was known for his steady presence and genuine care for the people he served.

Bernie had a special love for pets, especially his Great Danes. Barnabas, Paris, and Sargent Major were his loyal companions for the last seven years and a constant source of joy. His dedication to animals was well known to all who spent time with him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Hannelore Bates, and his father, James Bates. He is survived by his sister, Joyce Bates of Lexington, South Carolina, and his brother, Preston Bates of Jacksonville, Florida. Bernie also leaves behind three nephews: Eric Snead of Hobbs, New Mexico; Adam Bates of Atlanta, Georgia; and Samuel Bates of Jacksonville, Florida. All of their extended families loved him dearly, as well as his many friends.

Bernie will be remembered for his kindness, his artistic soul, his devotion to his work, and the quiet but meaningful ways he enriched the lives of those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love at:

https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.com%2Fv3%2F__http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatdanefriends.com__%3B!!OH7Jjwzyk1GPUgacbQ!p_R1VVd5SZh3lwKJZXef5ZuW9dJFuGfk1SuPQdsLGKhHkHyiHSHAIkRHwAAVQsOmO8eGuVEdgJFwZpxwVqVPNEZr2X0%24&data=05%7C02%7Ckenny.belton%40thompsonsfuneral.com%7C56f3c95180df48b856e908dea3e478b7%7C98c6bcb2ecac45b48db79976d46784c4%7C0%7C0%7C639128399491783191%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C80000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Yc5X2f94j5BtwbLvcRJ6RR5S5QCCTncLyL7He8R4vVs%3D&reserved=0

Please go to the bottom of the page for the link to donate.