Dr. H. Shaw Scates, retired stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, died at 1:55 this morning at St. Joseph Hospital East. He was 71.

Dr. Scates of 291 Vescovo served as the national executive head of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church from 1955 until his retirement in 1975.

Prior to taking that office, he served as the minister of Highland Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church and had pastored churches in Arkansas, Missouri, Texas and California.

In 1969, Dr. Scates was elected by acclamation as moderator of the Memphis Cumberland Presbytery-the first time in 20 years the post has gone to a minister rather than a layman.

Dr. Scates, who was born in McKenzie, Tenn., also had served as a member of the Commission on Christian Social Relations and the Cumberland Presbyterian Assembly.

He leaves his wife, Mrs. Catherine Scates; two sons, H. Shaw Scates Jr. of Memphis and the Rev. John Marshall Scates of San Francisco; a daughter, Mrs. Dianne Kelso of Fresno, Calif.; and five grandchildren.

His body will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Highland Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery near McKenzie. Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at Highland Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel is in charge of services.