Lawrence (Larry) Richard Gates passed away peacefully March 23, 2021 at his residence in Mobile, Alabama, surrounded by his loving family. Larry was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on August 20, 1938, to Lawrence Alvin Gates and Mary Roper Gates, who preceded him in death. He attended Calallen High School before entering Bob Jones University on an athletic scholarship but later transferred and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1961. Following graduation, he served in the Air Force. He returned to Corpus Christi where he met his future wife, Frances Minturn Gates on a blind date and then married in 1964. Larry and his beloved wife Frances moved to Mobile, Alabama, to open a Whataburger in 1973. She worked as his wife, partner, and mother to their two children until her death in 1993. During this time, Larry became a successful businessman, receiving many awards, but the ultimate accomplishment was his induction to the Whataburger Hall of Fame. In addition to the many accolades bestowed upon him for his community work, he will be remembered for making the lives of everyone better for having met him. He visited people in nursing homes, treated them to meals or days out. He enhanced the daily living of individuals from various walks of life by baking cakes or cookies and delivering to businesses he frequented simply to brighten their days. He cherished his time at his hunting camps and poker playing with his best buds. Perhaps the accomplishment that was the most important to him was family and friends. Surviving family members are his children Travis Gates and Shannon Gates Wagoner (Brian), and his grandchildren Tessa Gates, Willa Gates, Maura Gates, Laizren Gates and Mary Frances Wagoner and a loving sister, Randy Sue Wood Gates. Flowers are always welcome and appreciated, but with Larry’s generous nature, donations can be made to: The Shriners/Zamora Transportation Fund PO Box 100069 Irondale , AL 35210.
1938-2021
A graveside service will be held at 2pm on Friday, 03/26/21.
