Leonard "LC" Charles Bates Sr.

Leonard “LC” Charles Bates Sr., 79, of North Little Rock passed away Friday June 12, 2026.  He was born December 31, 1946, to the late George and Ledora Bates.

L.C. accepted Christ at an early age and later became a Deacon at New Cavalry Temple COGIC. His faith was not confined to a building: it was the quiet guiding force of his life. Even as his Sunday routines changed, the love of Christ remained deeply rooted in his heart overflowing into consistent, effortless generosity to and for others. He was a graduate of Grady HighSchool Grady, AR. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Philander Smith College Little Rock, AR. Leonard is an Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam Era. After being honorably discharged from the military he worked for Comcast Cable, Reynolds Mining working in several key departments, he ended his work history with the United States Postal Service where he retired with 19yrs of service. Leonard loved working with children, he was known to many of them as Coach Bates. He coached boys and girls AAU Teams named New Tyler Bee’s, Glenview Bee’s, NLR Stars and Arkansas’s Sirens (girls). L.C. coached his players to win numerous AAU State Championships he also won National AAU Tournaments with his boys’ and girls’ teams.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents George Bates Sr. and Ledora Nelson Bates, one brother George Bates Jr., five sisters Dorothy Green Weekly, Eliose Howard, Earnistine Eason, Betty Jean Bates and Rosie Lee Addison, one daughter LaTanisha Bates, one son Albert Sabb Jr. and one grandson Isaiah Bohanan. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Caberta L. Brown Bates; four children, Lawanna Bates, Tanita Bell (Dietrich), Leonard Bates Jr. (Kelsi), Nikilah Bates; four grandchildren, Kadence Bates, Kobi Bates, Lessi Bates and Laityn Bates; one sister-in law, Shaunta Belmont-Brown (Timothy Sr.) one brother in-law, William Belmont III; siblings, Mary Young, Josephine Bates, Sally Smith, Thomas Bates and Patsy Bates; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

 L.C. was a devoted husband and father, a loving brother, caring grandfather and a gracious uncle and friend who will always be loved and dearly missed. 

Visitation will be June 23rd 5-7p.m. at Smith North Little Rock Chapel. Service June 24th 10am at New Hope Baptist Church. Burial following at Little Rock National Cemetery.