John Whittier Gates

Mr. Gates was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, January 10, 1929. He was the son of the late Whittier B. Gates and Muriel Pike Gates of Jekyll Island, Georgia. He was preceded in death by a brother, William P. Gates.

Mr. Gates founded, owned and operated Southern Auto Supply Co. and the Fix-Ur-Car Parts stores until his retirement. He was educated in the public schools of Chattanooga and the University of Chattanooga. Mr. Gates served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska during the Korean conflict. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rome and an active member of the Men's Wednesday Bible Study. Mr. Gates loved his community and served on numerous Boards, organizations and clubs. He was a past President of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, Rome Rotary Club, and the Coosa Valley Tennis Association. Mr. Gates served as a Director of the Boys and Girls Club, Trustee of Darlington School, Chairman of Floyd Hospital for eight years, Director of the First National Bank of Rome, and Director of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Atlanta. He had been a former long term member of the Coosa Country Club and the Men's Nine O'clock Cotillion.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Heyman Gates, to whom he would have been married for sixty four years on New Year’s Day, his children, John Russell Gates and wife Pam, Thomas Whittier Gates of Calhoun and wife Heather, and Nancy Gates Hunt of Calhoun and husband Anthony. Grandchildren include Megan Gates Watters and husband JT, Andy Gates of Smyrna and wife Kelly, Whitney Gates of New Mexico, and Janey Hunt of Dalton. Great grandchildren include Jay Watters, Whit Watters, and Anne Russell Gates.

Mr. Gates, fondly known a “Big John” to his family and friends, worked for more than fifteen years after his retirement with his son, Russ, at Quick Tune & Lube in Rome. He considered every customer his friend and loved coming to work and sharing his stories and old memories.

The family received friends Thursday, December 26 between 5 -7 pm in the King Hall of First Presbyterian Church. A memorial service was held Friday, December 27 at 11 am in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Georgia. P. O. Box 2939, Rome, GA 30164.

Daniel’s Funeral Home of Rome, Georgia has charge of the arrangements for Mr. Joh Whitier Gates.

12/27/13