Edwin Garland Bates, Sr., age 85, of Shelbyville, passed from this life on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Community Care Center of Rutherford County after an extended illness.
A native of Bedford County, Garland was born on January 9, 1940, to the late William Frank Bates and Leona Allison Bates. He was also preceded in death by his brother, William Max Bates.
Garland spent his early childhood in Shelbyville before his family relocated to Detroit, Michigan when he was 6. He attended Bentley High School in Livonia and found his calling in the boxing ring, becoming a Golden Gloves boxer. His career began with the Livonia Police Department and led him to train at the legendary Brewster Wheeler Rec Center now known as Kronk Gym, where icons like Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson once honed their craft. Garland fought—and won—a professional bout, retiring early due to a shoulder injury. He remained proud that he never once hit the mat in any match.
He moved back to Tennessee at the age of 18 and started his life in Shelbyville. He became a well-known local bar owner and operator, running several establishments including Garland’s Yard, Green Acers, K&E, Mary Go Round, Madison Street Tavern, and Gad-About. He also worked with Fly Manufacturing and later retired from Tyson Foods in 2016 at the age of 76.
Garland was a skilled longbow enthusiast, known for his remarkable aim—he could hit a quarter in midair. He was an avid outdoorsman, proficient in hunting and fishing with his long bow, but above all, he cherished time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and a “Good Papa” to his grandchildren.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Virginia Dale McKinney Bates; 6 children, Edwin Garland Bates, Jr. of Shelbyville, William Wesley Bates of Hartsville, Marty Sean (Charlene) Bates of Shelbyville, Bonnie Dawn Williams of Shelbyville, Cherry Sunshine (Ronny) Mitchum of Crossville, and Jennifer Rebecca (Davey) Clayton of Hendersonville; 10 grandchildren, Charles, Justin, Summer “Rosebud”, Levi, Abby, Anna, Shelbee, Will, Chloe, and Liz; along with 2 great grandchildren, Lilly “Lilly Bug”, and Sean Alex.
A Celebration of Life service will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday October 19, 2025, in the chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home with Ronny Mitchum officiating. Visitation with the family will be held prior to service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Cildren’s Research Hospital @ www.stjude.org.
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
www.doakhowellfuneralhome.com
