MILLSBORO - Jasper M. 'Jay' Bates Jr. passed away peacefully at home on Wed., Mar. 4, 2015. Mr. Bates was born in Huntsville, Ala. to the late Jasper and Odell (Talley) Bates Sr. Jay served in the US Navy during WWII and was a member of the American Legion Post 28. He was self-employed and owned JM Bates Roofing Co. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Bates; children, Daniel and Charlene Barbour, Michael and Carla Bates, David and Amy Bates, J. Phillip Bates, Barbara and John McDowell, and Mark and Barbara Bates; 17 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Mar. 9, 2015 at the Delaware Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, Del. 19966. Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jay's memory can be made to: American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro, Del. 19966.