Larry Leigh Gates was born on December 16, 1943 in Independence, to King Emil and Leeta Mae (Oates) Gates. He passed away on April 1, 2016 at his home near Lowry City.
Larry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was an avid outdoorsman who passed-on his love for hunting and the outdoors to his children and grandchildren.
His life’s calling was to serve the community. He began this service as an Eagle Scout, and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, serving 22.5 years in active duty. During that time he was instrumental in the creating the Burton Fire Protection District in Beauford, SC. Upon finishing his active service, he retired from the Marine Corp at the rank of Master Sergeant and spent an additional 10 years in the Civil Service department for the US Government. In 1993 he moved with his wife Pam to Talley Bend on Truman Lake to open Bear’s Den country store. He continued his community service as a volunteer with Iconium Fire Protection District, serving part of the time as Fire Chief.
Larry and Pam were united in marriage on September 10, 1966. They had three boys: Tim, Corey and Kevin.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, King and Leeta Mae Gates, his brother Joseph Gates, and his wife Pamela Ruth Gates.
He is survived by his dog, Happy Feet and cat, Flower; brother Dwight Gates; three sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Laura Gates, Corey and Tina Gates, Kevin and Jamie Gates; six grandchildren, Caleb, Josie, Jordyn, Aidan, Levi and Liam
The family would like to invite everyone to join the at them Boyscout Hall at Hwy 13 and Hwy A north of Lowry City after the service for visiting.
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