Connie M. Gately

GATELY, Connie M., Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather; passed away October 15, 2012. Born in St. Louis, MO, on May 31, 1929, he was in management at Aladdin Ind. for more than 30 years and an Army veteran. A graduate of Lipscomb, Memphis State and Peabody, he received B.S. and M.A. degrees while playing college baseball. An accomplished songwriter and bluegrass musician, he recorded for Starday, Republic and Rounder Records. He was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame Museum in Owensboro, KY., and was recognized as one of the “Pioneers of Bluegrass” by the International Bluegrass Music Association. His song “Home is Where the Heart Is” was recorded as the title track of an album by David Grisman and Jerry Garcia and was nominated for a Grammy award. He delighted in his family and enjoyed life, welcoming each day with a smile. His many passions included Little League coaching, acoustic guitars, restoring Packards and Mustangs, and watching his grandchildren’s ballgames. Preceded in death by parents, Connie and Cora Mae Gately; wife, Hilda Williams Gately; and son, Robert Christopher Gately. Survived by wife Bernita; children, Connie Williams (Ed), Fred Gately (Leigh), and Carol Stroud (Greg); stepdaughters, Sheryn Chappell (Dennis) and Caryn Divney; grandchildren, Ryan (Sarah) and Reed Williams; Megan, Sean, and Loren Gately; and Wilson and Elizabeth Stroud; step grandchildren, Logan and Mackenzie Chappell and Taylor Divney; great grandchildren, Brady Williams and Skyler, Landen, and Chloe Yu. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the medical staff at Centennial and Summit Medical Centers. Funeral services will be held October 20 at 1:00 p.m. at Hermitage Funeral Home, with burial following in Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Visitation with the family 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to service Saturday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hermitage Church of the Nazarene benevolence fund. Condolences may be offered at www.hermitagefh.com. Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN 37138. (615) 889-0361.