Larry Bales
William Larry Bales, 75, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, died peacefully on Monday, December 29, 2014, at Chattanooga Hospice Center in Chattanooga, due to complications following kidney failure.
Larry was born in 1939 in Rockwood, Tn. to Madolyn and Bill Bales. The family later moved to Chattanooga where Larry attended Red Bank High School and lettered in football. Upon graduation in 1958 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in Japan, the Philippines and Cuba, and received an honorable discharge in 1962. He then began a career at Alco Chemical (now Akzo Nobel) that spanned 32 years, eventually retiring as Purchasing and Logistic manager in 2003. During his time at Alco he earned his degree in Industrial Management from Chattanooga State Technical College and was active in and held offices, including president, in both the Purchasing Management Association and Chattanooga Transportation Club.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sandra Brown Bales, his sons, William Michael Bales (Jeanine) of Dallas, TX, and Larry Douglas Bales of Chattanooga; stepsons, Robert W. Brown III (Kelley) of Dunwoody, Ga., and Christopher S. Brown (Ashley) of Ooltewah; sisters, Nancy Ramsay (David); Patricia Phillips (Bert); and brother Richard Henry Bales (Laura); grandchildren: Elliott S. Bales (Taylor), E. Dylan Bales, William Nathan Bales; four step-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in passing by his wife, Clara Kate Croson Bales, mother, Madolyn White Bales, and father, William Henry Bales, of Chattanooga.
Larry is remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, an avid sportsman and little league coach, and an accomplished golfer with two holes-in-one to his credit. Throughout his life he was a passionate Tennessee Volunteers fan, attending games since the age of eight years old.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Jerry Arnold officiating. The interment will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Larry's life.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute.
Flowers and condolences may be sent or in lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to The American Kidney Fund at KidneyFund.org.
The family will receive friends from 1-5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1, at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.