Larry enjoyed racing sprint cars, drag racing cars, hot rods and street rods and was a show car enthusiast. He retired from L&N and CSX Railroads after working over 30 years. Larry loved football and played football on the only undefeated, untied and unscored upon Reitz Football team in 1961. He was very proud of his time with the team. Larry was rich in the history of the local racing scene. In racing, he was either first, upside down or in a fight, or all 3. Larry was known by everyone in the Tri-State area and had many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Larry is survived by his wife, Carol E. (Lindy) Gates; son, Larry Dennis Gates, Jr, (Bryan “Turtle” Monroe); daughter, Lisa C. Smith (Gary); grandchildren, Cory Basil Smith, Cameron Dennis Smith (Madison); sister, Judy Woolbright (Ned); brother, William F. Gates, Jr. (Tammy); many other friends and family.
Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11, 2022 at Alexander West Chapel, with Chaplain Scott Hutcheson officiating. Friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until service time on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be held on Saturday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m. in Alexander Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion through the years for Larry and all of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, 2532 Waterbridge Way, Evansville, IN 47710.
Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.
