Charles Larry Bates

With grieving hearts, the family of Dr. Charles Larry Bates announces his passing on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026, at the age of 82.

Larry, as he was known to family, friends, and colleagues, was born on August 18th, 1944, to Edward and Ruby Inez Bates in Childersburg, Alabama, but the family soon moved back to their home state of Tennessee where he was raised on the family farm with his two sisters.

Larry led a life of accomplishment. From his days as president of the student government during his time at the University of Tennessee, to serving in politics, and on to building a family and a successful career, he was known both for his tenacity as well as his compassion. As a twelfth generation American, Larry loved his country. He was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly at the age of just 25 and was elected Majority Floor Leader in his first term in the Tennessee Legislature. He later went on to become chairman of the Committee on Banking and Commerce and led a number of initiatives aimed at fiscal responsibility as well as social goals. His commitment to his community found him bringing much needed mental health initiatives to his local area, and his unflagging belief in the free market guided his efforts to keep economic growth in the hands of the people while limiting the size and scope of government.

Larry was a past president of the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association and a member of the university’s Board of Governors. In his early business career, he was the president of a group of local banks as well as an insurance executive building successful businesses in both industries. Several years later he founded an economic consultancy and became the publisher and editor of Monetary and Economic Review. Larry was an internationally recognized expert and speaker on political systems, money and banking, and the Federal Reserve. He was also the author of articles and books including a best-selling book that has been published in multiple languages and distributed across the world.

Larry was founder and CEO of the Information Radio Network, a radio news network serving hundreds of radio stations across the United States as well as internationally.

His compassion for his fellow man extended beyond his home area. Larry’s faith in God guided his life. He took to heart John 8:32 and quoted it often “...and the truth shall set you free.” His focus was to help God’s people and the churches to understand the world around them in the areas of economics, politics and religion. He had a heart to lead people to Jesus. He was a strong supporter of the nation of Israel. Larry also took part in local initiatives to feed the hungry, but also internationally, where he aided projects aiming to alleviate poverty and meet people’s practical needs by enabling small businesses to take root. Additionally, he played a pivotal part in getting the Bible translated into previously unreached languages and served on short term missions in the jungles of southeast Asia.

Throughout life he was active in his church as well as civic organizations, sitting on various boards and committees. He was an active member of the Gideons International, distributing God's Word around the world.

Larry was a visionary in every sense of the word. He worked hard throughout his life for his family, friends, and employees in the process of creating jobs and opportunities for hundreds of people over the years. He was a man of strong principle and faith, and at times, this earned him strong resistance from some corners. Yet, he was never one to back down from what he believed in. He was respected by those who encountered him because they knew where he stood on the things in life that really matter.

He was a devoted husband and father. Larry was married to his beloved wife Barbara, whom he met in college, for over 59 years. He was the father of two sons, Charles “Chuck” and Robert “Bob” Bates (wife Kinsey), and the grandfather of two grandchildren, Hunter Bates and Hayley Bates.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Ruby Inez Bates, as well as his sisters and brothers-in-law; Earnest and Ruth Lester and Gerald and Nancy Allred.

While we grieve his passing, we know that this precious husband and father is standing in the presence of the Savior. He knew Jesus well on earth, but now he knows Him perfectly in heaven.