Lawrence Martin “Larry” Bates, age 81 of Sunset Beach, NC, died Monday, December 9, 2024, at McLeod Seacoast Hospital in Little River, SC, surrounded by family.

In addition to his parents, Larry is preceded in death by his granddaughter: Sydney Davies.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years: Carol Verbilla Bates; son: Larry Bates (Kim) of Huntingtown, MD; daughter: Jennifer Curry (Kyle) of Warrenton, VA; grandson: Tyler Davies of Ashburn, VA; brothers William Jairett of Mt. Dora, FL, and Robert Bates of San Antonio, TX; sisters Roberta Kimura of Mililani, HI, and Karen Hirai of Mililani, HI; many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog: Lexi.

Larry was born on December 1, 1943, to Edgar Bates and Betty Okazaki in Honolulu, HI.

Larry began his career in the US Navy where he learned discipline and developed a love for travel. He went on to work for the US Department of Defense, a career that allowed him to explore the world with trips to Russia, Ukraine, and several other countries. After a 35-year career, he retired as the Director of Contracts for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and relocated to Sunset Beach in 2000.

Larry was an active member of the St. Brendan Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 9039. In his spare time, he enjoyed working in the yard, taking Lexi for walks, and frequenting local restaurants where he became a regular and met many great friends. He loved playing golf with “the Duffers” and was a member of the Sea Trail Men’s Golf Association. Larry will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and a great friend to many.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Brendan Catholic Church on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interment with military honors will follow in the Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in the form of donations to Paws-Ability or Children’s Cancer Research Fund.