Alec Henry Gatewood

Alec Henry Gatewood was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on January 21, 2003. Alec was the son of Cecil and Kari Ontis Gatewood. Although Alec's time on this earth was short; he accomplished amazing things throughout his 22 years.

In 2021, Alec graduated from both Smackover High School and the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA). Alec was very thankful for his ASMSA years. He had excellent instructors and a challenging curriculum. He credited the school for changing his life and preparing him for his advanced education. In fact, Alec was part of a select few chosen to attend NYU Shanghai but was unable to go due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This did not deter Alec, as he went on to attend NYU in New York. He eventually transferred to Louisiana Tech, where he graduated with a degree in Environmental Science. After earning his degree, he began working as an environmental scientist for Kimley-Horn and Associates in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Alec was truly gifted in many ways. He had a passion for painting, especially scenes and subjects from nature. He painted with heart, memorializing family pets, Bosco and Romeo, on canvas. These works of art are treasured.

In addition to painting, Alec possessed a natural talent for photography. Over time, Alec honed these skills, ultimately landing a job as an event photographer at Louisiana Tech. He captured sporting and campus activities such as his brother Retts' graduation. Alec was also called upon to take family photos at reunions and get-togethers, timing the shot just right to secure his placement in the photo.

In addition to his artistic abilities, he possessed a beautiful singing voice, which he put to good use in many community theatre productions. Alec's last performance was as Teen Angel in the play Grease. His rendition of "Beauty School Dropout" brought the house down.

Alec was also a gifted impromptu speaker and loved to debate, especially with his Nanny.

When Alec wasn't creating or acting, he was often found volunteering and serving others. He spent numerous hours applying his environmental knowledge to improve living conditions in low income areas.

This included designing ways to improve substandard water quality.

Alec will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his brothers, grandparents, extended family and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents; Cecil and Kari Ontis Gatewood and half-sister, Tiphanie Gatewood.

Alec is survived by his two brothers, James "Rett" and Jeb Gatewood; his grandparents, Earl and Saralyn Ontis; his half-sisters, Katina Buff (Joseph), Cheri Gatewood (Andrew), half-brother, Andrew Gatewood (Katie); his aunts, Kristan Ontis Zargari (Pete), their children Sam, Max, Beatrice and Adelade. Teresa Garrison (Donnie); his uncle James Gatewood and many other cousins.

A celebration of life will be held for Alec on October 12th at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Smackover. Visitation will begin at 1:30 prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Holy Angels Nonprofit in Shreveport, Louisiana through their website, https://www.laholyangels.org/ or at 10450 Ellerbe Rd, Shreveport, LA 71106.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for Alec’s family.