Chester Zeno Gates

GATES, CHESTER ZENO, age 84 of Center Point, passed into the arms of the Lord in the early AM on Saturday, February 20, 2016. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jeanette Gates Bryan; and brother, Marion Gates. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janis Louise Gates; daughter, Deborah Lynn Mauricio; son, Jacob Zeno Gates; sister, Beatrice Gates Chapman; 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces; 4 nephews; 1 great niece; and 2 great nephews. Chester grew up in Clarke County, AL where he loved hunting and fishing. His love of football developed when he started playing in the 7th grade. He became a standout for Jackson High School, played at Kentucky and Virginia Tech, and a short time with the Baltimore Colts. Chester then spent many years coaching football. He always loved his family and friends and with his outgoing personality and they loved him in return. Chester accomplished many feats including gaining a pilot’s license and developed a patent on an inline tankless water heater with a good friend. He was a member of the faculty at Jefferson State Community College from 1967-1994. In his later years, he enjoyed reading the Bible and traveling to the beach. His family will celebrate his life on Saturday, February 27, 2016 receiving friends from 12:00-2:00 PM at Ridout’s Trussville Chapel with a service at 2:00 with Dr. Bill Johnston officiating. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.