Larry "Skip" Bates

Larry, better known as “Skip” Bates, 78, of Ardmore, TN passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025. He was born on December 14, 1946, in Prospect, TN to Huston Bates and Alberta “Flip” Hargroves Bates. He is preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Kathy Cothren.

Skip was retired from Gabriel Manufacturing after 34 years of service. He began working part-time at McConnell Funeral Home in December of 2012 and worked there for 7 years. He was a Mason, Shriner, and a member of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include one daughter, Tami Risner and husband, Trevor, of Waynesboro, TN; two sisters, Judy Elder and husband, Mike of Ardmore, TN; Polly Goats and husband Gary of Pulaski, TN; one granddaughter, Kayleigh Hurst of Oxford, MS; and his brother-in-law, Charles Cothren of Ardmore, AL. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Sherie (Jason) Prier, Emma and Ezra of Ardmore, TN; Anna (Kyle) Cunningham, Lauren, Cade and Ryne Goats of Pulaski, TN.

The visitation will be Friday, September 26, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. at Gatlin Cemetery in Ardmore with Steve Hargrove officiating.