Larry "Little Larry" Thomas Cates

Larry Thomas Cates, Jr., 48, born January 24, 1976 to Larry Cates and Maria Cates, returned to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, January 28, 2024 after a brief struggle in the hospital. 

He left this earth surrounded by his beloved aunts, Betty and Sharon, who loved and raised him as their own. The many family members whose lives he had touched and who loved him very much were with him, as well. 

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Larry; his grandmother, Ines Cates; his uncle, Billy Cates; his aunts, Ruth Bearden and Kitty Krol. 

He is survived by his uncle Gary (Staci) Cates, aunts Betty Onderbeke and Sharon Cates, stepmom, Anita Cates, sisters Becky (Cates), Erica Booth, Chrystan (Cates) and Emily (Cates) Trusty; nieces Rachel Cates and Gabriella Cates; along with a host of cousins, family and friends. 

Larry was a very special person, not identified by his special needs, but by his infectious smile, sweet disposition, and his strength in overcoming the many physical struggles he endured throughout his lifetime. He taught us all about joy and compassion. If Larry could have talked, he probably would have told you word for word all about Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, Murder She Wrote, Colombo and Monk. 

He loved music by Whitney Houston, Adele, Southern Gospel, and everything that you sang directly to him. He even liked Opera!

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the many past and present employees of Integrity, Inc., especially Shannon Smith, who advocated fiercely for Larry and with love.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at the North Little Rock Funeral Home from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. 

Services will be Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Cornerstone Worship Center, North Little Rock from 1:30 to 2:30. 

Interment will be a Rest Hills Cemetery immediately following the service.