Garry Linwood Bates, Jr., of Sherman Oaks, CA, passed away on the evening of Monday, June 22, 2020.
The funeral service will be held at 2pm ET on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Metropolitan Funeral Home (Granby location). Reverend Floyd Bates of The Mount in Chesapeake, VA will be officiating. Visitation will be held at 11:00am ET on Saturday, July 18, 2020. The service will be live streamed the day of the funeral, on the Metropolitan Funeral Home website.
Garry was from Alexandria, VA, a suburb of Washington, DC, born on May 19, 1982. He was the youngest of two children. He attended Hayfield Elementary and Hayfield Secondary Schools. During his teenage years, he battled chronic migraines and was a test subject for medications which caused his school attendance to suffer dramatically. This resulted in an alternative means of education, with Garry enrolling in The American School of Correspondence where he earned his diploma. He then went on to study Television Broadcasting at The New England Institute of Art (The Art Institute) in Brookline, MA, where he earned an Associate’s degree. During that time, he discovered his love for acting after taking a class as an elective. He then transferred to Emerson College in Boston, MA. At Emerson, he was accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program, where he earned a degree in Theater Studies. He performed in several of the school’s main-stage productions. His performance experience in theater spans the cities of Boston, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles.
Garry was an accomplished actor in films such as Love Addict, Sully and Schlomo, and The Paradigm Shift: Involution; Internet web series such as Struggling, Love On A Platter, Vote or Else, Dads Like Us, Pizza, Cheez-Its vs. Goldfish, and America’s Next Top Leader; Theater productions including Homeward LA, The Midnight Mission, Mama G, Woyzeck, Commodity, and Fun On The Bayou at Emerson College, The Crucible at Roxbury Repertory Theater, Langston and Nicolas at Towne Street @ Stella Adler, and A Movie Star Has To Star and The Witch of Blackbird Pond at Emerson Mainstage.
Garry worked for many years as a Sales Associate for Old Navy in Springfield, VA and Boston, MA; Sunglass Hut in Boston, MA and Los Angeles, CA; Fandango in Los Angeles, CA. Most recently, Garry worked as a personal trainer at DC Fitness in Los Angeles, CA. Garry had a special love for this work, as he was able to help others accomplish their health and fitness journeys. He enjoyed improv performances, singing (especially karaoke), rapping, skateboarding, bicycling, billiards, bowling, swimming, video games, and watching professional wrestling (WWE and AEW).
His parents, Garry Linwood, Sr. and Linda Faye Perry Bates; sister, Tina Rochelle Bates Baldera; nephew, Joshua Perry Baldera; and niece Arianna Noël Baldera, survive Garry. Garry is also survived by his extended family: Aunts Paulette Bates McKinnon, Tawana Bates Burtt, Lugretha Parker (Terry), Delphine Claude (Frank), Theresa “Josie Lee” Smith (Joseph) and Carolyn Davis-Smith and Uncles Anthony Bates, Sr. (Virginia), Floyd Bates (Valerie), Sterling Bates, Sr. (Cynthia), Raymond Hawkins, Stephen Bates, Sr., Gerald Bates and Paul Perry (Milessa). He was blessed to have many Bates and Perry cousins, as well as many family and friends, who loved and miss him dearly.
Garry is preceded in death by sister, Melissa “infant”; grandmothers: Sarah Jane Bates and Josephine Manning Ellis; grandfathers, Jerome Bates, Willie Ellis, and Frank Perry; aunt, Earnestine Hawkins; uncles, Anthony Perry, Wayne Bates, Dwight Perry, Sr., and Frederick Perry. Garry cared about all people with genuine compassion, willing to help others without asking anything in return. His smile was also infectious, able to lighten any space with laughter and positivity.
Those who choose to give a gift to honor Garry are asked to make a contribution in his name to the YOUNG ACTORS SPACE, 5918 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 and/or the Acting Program at Emerson College, 120 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116.
We will miss you, Garry Jr.
“The song is ended but the melody lingers on”
– Irving Berlin
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
© Metropolitan Funeral Service
Derrick T Dunn says
July 10, 2020 at 12:12 pmMy brother from another,
It’s still hard to believe that you’re gone. Since you were called home there have been so many days where I wanted to send you a text or call you on my drive home from the job. 2020 has been a tough year already and your home going is one of the toughest things I’ve dealt with. However, I take solace in knowing you’re at peace and I’ll never forget the impact you had on the life of the Dunn family. I love you my brother from another and I’ll miss your kindness.
Zadie Hudson & Family says
July 18, 2020 at 1:44 pmTo the family, Although I can not physically be there, I wanted to let you know that I have continued to pray Gods Love and Peace surrond each family member. Asking God to wrap you all in his arms of protection. Dealth is never easy and no amount of words at this time are sufficient. Just know that I loved my “Little Garry” He is now safe in the arms of Jesus. Love you all dearly.⚘⚘????????????
Lynda McGhee Rivera says
July 10, 2020 at 12:38 pmMy condolences to the Bates Family who I have known all of my life. Will keep your family in prayer. Stay Blessed
Frederidk Cooper says
July 10, 2020 at 2:48 pmTo the Bates Family
Keep trusting in God for he makes no mistakes.
He will see you through. Praying for the family.
Champ Cooper
.
Terri Duehring says
July 10, 2020 at 4:22 pmWe are so sorry for your loss. He will live on in your hearts! Love Craig and Terri Duehring
and the Golden Girls!
Alec James says
July 10, 2020 at 5:33 pmIt was such an honor to meet and get to know Garry. He will always be fondly remembered and acutely missed. Sending love and healing condolences to the family and Garry’s many friends.
Emily Charouhas says
July 10, 2020 at 5:45 pmGarry has brought more light to my life than I could ever have deserved. I’ve never known anyone who was so genuine in making everyone he knew feel loved. He will be missed forever by too many people to possibly count. All of my love and prayers to his family and to everyone who loved him.
Sueann Shollenberger Tupy says
July 10, 2020 at 8:44 pmStill hard to believe Garry is no longer with us. When I watched the video of him teaching the class at the memorial, it brought back so many memories of Garry as a little boy. He was in daycare in our home, and was like a sibling to my kids. He had a sweet nature and love of life. We miss you Garry. Peace and love to the family.
Quiana Claiborne says
July 11, 2020 at 3:06 amMy prayers are with the family. May God provide you with the support and love you need during this time.
Jane Cooper Cunningham says
July 11, 2020 at 7:01 amI still have yet to process this huge loss. My image of dear Garry is his huge smile and little hugs. As Garry’s first grade teacher many moons ago, I feel like the luckiest teacher to have had him in my class. There are students that just leave an everlasting impression and he was surely one of them. The love and joy Garry brought to me will never be forgotten. I love you Garry!
Debra C Price says
July 11, 2020 at 10:34 amTo The Bates/Perry Family,Our prayers and love to you at this time. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. May God be your place of comfort and strength.
Cousin Annette
Elizabeth Tremblay says
July 11, 2020 at 3:20 pmGarry, the world needs more of you! I have been lucky enough to have known you and your amazing family. We all have one really amazing Guardian Angel. I have learned soo much from you and I will continue to stay strong and positive knowing you are at peace. Lots of love to your family during this difficult time.
Clara and Beverly Miller says
July 11, 2020 at 9:17 pmOur prayers are with the Bates family. May the love of God, family and good friends be a source of comfort during this time of bereavement. Love and Blessings
Clara and Beverly Miller says
July 11, 2020 at 9:18 pmOur prayers are with the Bates family. May the love of the Almighty God, family and good friends be a source of comfort during this time of bereavement. Love and Blessings
David J. Curtis says
July 13, 2020 at 7:49 pmHaving been fortunate enough to share the stage with Garry on two different productions, I am a huge fan! Garry always brought joy and that smile everywhere he went! He will be missed. Heartfelt prayers go out to his family and friends.
Kyle Morrison says
July 14, 2020 at 5:39 pmGarry is an inspiration, he always was and he always will be. I feel so lucky that I got to know this incredible man, and cherish the time we had together.
W. Derek Gourdine says
July 14, 2020 at 5:49 pmGarry and Linda please accept our condolences and prayers. Know that we are here to support you all during this difficult time.
Derek and Michelle Gourdine
Billy Madden says
July 16, 2020 at 4:46 pmGarry, you were an incredible man. Glad I got to work with you and I was so happy to get to know you. You always made me, and others, smile. Rest easy my friend.
kevin English says
July 17, 2020 at 8:43 amMy condolences to Gary family what a tragic loss for a great person to die so young may he Rest in paradise rest in power rest in peace
Judy James and Ernest Humphries says
July 17, 2020 at 11:50 amErnest and I are sending our condolences to the Bates family. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for you. May God bless you, give you strength, comfort and peace.
Teresa & Johnathan Stubblefied says
July 18, 2020 at 11:20 amJohnathan and I are sending our Love to the Bates family. Know we are standing with you’ll in the spirit, wish we could be there in the flesh. Sorry you loss your son, but just remember God only loaned them to us for a little time. Hold on to the the awesome memories and the great times you shared with your son. God Bless you ,and your family.
Joyce Cooper says
July 18, 2020 at 12:21 pmMy prayers are with you and your family today.
Patrick Day says
July 18, 2020 at 1:54 pmGarry was a beautiful person. Talented, passionate, committed, kind, loving, honest, intense, caring, bright, messy, and driven. His love for acting and for his fellow actors was immense, inviting, infectious, and admirable. He was a giving spirit and a care-taker. I am so happy he found our Space and shared his many gifts and smiles with his fellow classmates/castmates. If you were one of our first timers walking through our doors to jam in the Adult class, he always made an extra effort to welcome you as if you were already a collaborator and friend. Garry had a gentle spirit and the wonder of a child. His heart, like most great artists was open and vulnerable to the pain of others. Applause to you Garry, for all of the laughs and joy you brought to our lives Every week. I celebrate your spirit, your work ethic and our friendship. – “Good night, sweet ‘King’ and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Rev. A. Leigh Kennedy says
July 18, 2020 at 4:12 pmThank you both for choosing the remember son Garry in such a meaningful way. My what a handsome young person; the exact, best, and spitting image of you both! We give honor to God, that Garry, Jr- discovered his gifts and callings as an actor. And that the Lord honored him, by allowing him to use those gifts and talents! What a blessing! I’m sorry that we could not physically be present to support you, but honored that you allowed us to join his memorial service. Now tremendous Grace and Peace attend to you both now and in the days to come. Be comforted by these verses: Ps. 46:1, Deut. 33:27, Matt. 5:4, 2 Cor. 1:3-4, and Rom. 15:13 – Continued, Grace and Peace! Rev. K!
Andrea Stiles family says
July 19, 2020 at 1:24 pmMy heart breaks for you. We are so sorry for your loss. Garry was so handsome and brought so much joy into the world. You are in our prayers. Much love to you.
James Rael says
July 20, 2020 at 1:41 amGarry was one of the finest Actors I ever worked with, and had the honor to Direct. I hope he shared my feeling, as I considered him my friend.
I will forever regret that we never did more.
Tonya Haynes says
August 4, 2020 at 8:14 pmMy condolences to the Bates family. I worked with Garry at Fandango and he was one of my favorites. I affectionately referred to him as Garry-Garry as he was so precious, you had to say it twice. He referred to me as Tonya-Tonya and I can’t believe that I won’t hear this again. WOW! Garry was a wonderful young Man and he will be missed.
BECKY HAGEDORN says
August 5, 2020 at 12:13 pmI worked with Garry. He was one of the nicest people I’ve met. Always smiling, always had a great attitude. He will be greatly missed.
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