Zach Bates is the oldest of 19 children in the famous Bates family. He has appeared on several TV shows with his family, along with his wife and kids. Zach is a police officer and became the youngest county commissioner of Anderson County, Tennessee some years ago. He even ran for mayor and has contributed greatly towards keeping his community safe. Zach currently lives in Clinton, Tennessee with his wife, Whitney Perkins, and their two children. And at 29 years old, he is a role model for many.
| About Zachary Gilvin | |
|---|---|
| Known As | Zach Bates |
| Age | 35 Years |
| Birth | December 30, 1988 United States |
| Gender | Male |
| Spouse | Whitney Perkins |
| Children | Bradley Gilvin Bates, Kaci Lynn Bates |
| Siblings | Lawson, Nathan, Trace, Carlin, Josie, Katie, Jackson, Warden, Isaiah, Addallee, Ellie, Callie, Judson, Jeb, Michaela Keilen, Erin Paine, Alyssa Webster, Tori Smith |
| Parents | Kelly Jo Callaham, Gil Bates |
| Nationality | American |
| Job | Police Officer, Politician, Reality TV Personality |
| Net Worth | $1.0 million |
| TV Show | 19 Kids and Counting, United Bates of America, Bringing Up Bates |
| Instagram Profile | zachnwhitbates |
Bringing Up Bates is an American reality television show that follows the lives of Gil and Kelly Jo Bates, and their 19 children. That’s right, folks! They have a total of 19 children!
However, one of the couple’s children has captured people’s attention slightly more than the others. And it’s their oldest son, Zach Bates, who is married to Whitney Perkins.
Many are curious to know more about him and his little family, so here are some details from Zach Bates’ wiki.
How Old Is Zach Bates?
Born on December 30, 1988, in the United States, Zach Bates’s age is 29 years old. His full name is Zachary Gilvin “Zach” Bates, and he’s Gil and Kelly Jo Bates’ oldest child, born less than a year after his parents’ marriage.
Gil and Kelly Jo Bates went on to have 18 more children. (Yes, 18.)
He once spoke about growing up with so many siblings saying, “There’s never a dull moment. Every year, you know, there was – just add another person – it doesn’t feel abnormal to me.”
Zach was homeschooled when he was growing up, and he scored high on his ACT.
He Spent His Time Fruitfully in College
Zach studied history and criminal justice in college and was considered a good student. He completed his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training and secured a 4.0 score.
He also gave back to society by working at his local fire department when he was still a college student.
The Relationship That Didn’t Work Out
Even though the 29-year-old reality star is married to Whitney Perkins, she was not Zach Bates’ first girlfriend. That honor goes to a young woman named Sarah Reith.
Zach and Sarah began dating around June 2011. However, they announced their breakup on July 12, 2012.
How Did Zach Bates and Whitney Perkins Meet?
Zach met Whitney when she was working as a “carhop” at a local Sonic Drive-In, an American drive-in fast-food restaurant chain. A carhop is a server who brings fast food to people in their cars at drive-in restaurants.
The two liked each other almost immediately. They became friends and started spending a lot of time together.
Zach and Whitney formally announced their courtship on July 17, 2013. Although they had decided not to have a physical relationship, Zach actually kissed Whitney before they got married to each other.
Their Wedding Was a Warm and Loving Family Affair
On September 12, 2013, Zach proposed to Whitney and was overjoyed when she said an emphatic “yes!” They got married at 1:00 p.m. on December 14, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Lake City, Tennessee, in the presence of their large family and close friends.
Zach Bates’ wedding was a grand affair. His brother, Lawson even wrote a song for the occasion, which the guests later sang at the wedding.
Zach had six groomsmen that consisted of his brothers and a few close friends. Unfortunately, Whitney’s parents couldn’t be at the wedding, but they were present when the young couple renewed their vows on June 14, 2018.
New Additions to the Family
Given the Bates family’s propensity to have children, it was no surprise when the couple announced that Whitney was pregnant with their child barely a few months after their marriage.
When Whitney Perkins and Zach Bates’ baby boy was born on October 29, 2014, they were the happiest couple in the world! They named him Bradley Gilvin Bates.
The couple opened about their new baby and said, “We can’t even begin to explain how overjoyed, excited, and grateful we are to be parents! We just can’t seem to take our eyes off of him. He has already brought so much joy into our lives, and he’s enjoying being the center of attention in the Bates family. We are thankful to the Lord for this precious gift of life!”
The stork visited them again, and on June 20, 2016, they welcomed their second child into the family. They had a baby girl and named her Kaci Lynn Bates.
However, a tragedy struck them when they recently tried for a third child earlier this year, when Zach Bates’ wife lost her baby due to a miscarriage.
What Is Zach Bates’ Job?
Considering that Zach has a family to support at such a young age, people are curious about what he does for a living.
Zach was trained to be a police officer and graduated from the police academy on September 4, 2015. He has been working as a police officer since then.
He Has Dabbled in Politics
Zach has had his eye on entering politics, even as he was protecting and helping citizens in Anderson County, Tennessee. He was elected to be the county’s commissioner and became the youngest person ever to win a county commissioner seat.
In 2014, he also ran for mayor of Anderson County in the Republican primary. But, unfortunately, he lost the primary to Terry Frank on May 6, 2014.
A Large Family Needs Big Money
While Zach Bates’ net worth is not known, he does get a regular salary as a police officer. However, his parents have a net worth currently estimated to be around $1.0 million, according to sources.
Besides, raising all those children and grandchildren sure costs a lot of money!
He Has Appeared on Several TV Series
In addition to working nights as a police officer, Zach has also appeared on TV in reality TV shows like 19 Kids and Counting, United Bates of America, and Bringing Up Bates.
The TV series, United Bates of America, focused primarily on Zach Bates’ family but aired for only one season. Meanwhile, Bringing Up Bates has proved to be very popular and has aired for seven seasons already.
They Have a House of Their Own Now
Bates and Perkins were very keen to live in their own home, so after renting for a few years, they purchased their house at M&M Title Company Inc. in Clinton, Tennessee. Although both fell in love with their new house, they decided to make some major renovations before they moved in with their kids.
Armed with a budget of $15,000 and a six-week schedule, Zach Bates and Whitney Perkins’ new home makeover included removing a few walls, adding new floors, and slapping on a new paint job.
They got the renovation materials from Knox Rail Salvage in Knoxville, Tennessee, and had plenty of assistance from the eager-to-help Bates family, who got it done in eight weeks!
Zach and Whitney now live in their fabulously renovated house and are very happy with the outcome.
He Is a Role Model
Today, Zach is proud that he works hard to provide for his family and is an important member of the local community. He has the love and respect of the Bates family, as well as that of his own family.
He is a good husband, father, son, and brother, and contributes heartily to his community keeping them safe and sound.
Although he’s only 29, he already knows what the important things in life are, which is probably why so many fans tune in to stay updated on all things Bates.