Harold Milton Skates, 88, of LaFayette, passed away on October 5, 2015, at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga following an extended illness.   

Harold was born February 7, 1927, in the Halls Valley community of southern Walker County.  He was preceded in death by his parents James Harvey Skates and Grace Dover Skates along with two brothers, Luther Skates and Roland Skates.  Harold served his country in the United States Army at the end of World War II as a guard for German prisoners of war.  Soon after returning home, he married Edna Louise Pegg and began farming.  Later he became a carpenter, building houses and owning his own lumber and hardware business.  In his later years, he built swings, cedar chests, and cabinets for many people throughout Walker and surrounding counties.

Mr. Skates was an active member of Waterville Baptist Church in LaFayette, Georgia, where he served as a deacon for many years. 

 He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Louise Skates, and seven children, Gene and Jean Skates of LaFayette, Georgia; Glenn and Idalia Skates of Houston, Texas; Danny and Debbie Skates of Ringgold, Georgia; Mickey and Billie Skates of LaFayette, Georgia; Rickey and Gayla Skates of Cypress, Texas; Freda and James Buffington of Palatka, Florida; and Teresa and BJ Holliday of Douglas, Georgia; fourteen grandchildren, many great –grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren.  Mr. Skates is also survived by three sisters, Evelyn Jackson, and Lula Avenell Gamble of LaFayette, Georgia, and Janice Hartline from Calhoun, Georgia. 

 Visitation for Harold Skates will be held at Wallis- Wilbanks in LaFayette, Georgia, on Thursday October 8, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  The funeral service for Mr. Skates will be Friday, October 9, 2015, at Waterville Baptist Church on Hwy. 151 South at 11:00 a.m. and will be conducted by Rev. Sam Barrett.  Interment will be at LaFayette Memory Gardens.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Waterville Baptist Church 11815 Highway 151, Trion, GA 30753.

Arrangements by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.