Thomas L. Gates, surrounded by family and loving caregivers, passed away peacefully September 23, 2018. Tom was born October 23, 1935 in Handlova, Czechoslovakia. The son of Gertrude S. Gates, Tom spent his teen years in Washington, D. C., where he attended and graduated from Sidwell Friends School in 1954. Tom attended Washington and Lee University and graduated from The McIntire School of Commerce at The University of Virginia. Tom worked as a systems engineer and in management for a number of enterprises to include: IBM, Control Data, and The American Horticulture Society.
Tom was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He married Betty Hart Mann in 1955, they were married for 30 years until her death in 1986. Tom and Betty enjoyed life with their two children and spent many wonderful times at Liberty Hill Farm in Paris, Virginia.
Tom was a very caring and passionate man. He loved animals, particularly every dog he met. He had many interests, including fine art, antiques and opera.
Upon retirement, Tom married Elma M. Smith. They moved to Richmond, where for the next thirteen years they enjoyed life and family. Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Elma M. Smith of Richmond, his son, Thomas M. Gates (Annette) of Richmond; his daughter Lisa H. Gates of Bridgeton, NJ; three grandchildren; Harrison M. Gates (Elizabeth) of Richmond; Edward G. Bowman of Bridgeton, NJ; Elizabeth H. Bowman of Bridgeton, NJ; one great grandchild, Margaret Jane Gates of Richmond. Tom is also survived by three step children: Katherine Nantier (Thomas) of Sterling , Virginia; David Ashe of Morrisville, NC; Patricia Peterson (Robert) of Franklinton, NC; 6 step grandchildren: Megan Schwartz of Sterling, Virginia; Lauren Smith of Manassas, Virginia; Stephen Peterson of Raleigh, NC; Lacey Gibbons (Michael) of Charlotte, NC; Cheyenne Peterson of Franklin, NC; Ian Peterson of Franklinton, NC; and 3 step great grandchildren: Henry and Oliver Schwartz of Sterling, Virginia and Layla Gibbons of Charlotte, NC.
The Gates family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the nursing staff of the PCC unit of St Francis Hospital and Dr Marc Flickinger for all the kind and compassionate care given to Tom.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, October 26th at Woodlake United Methodist Church. Internment will be at Ivy Hill Cemetery, Upperville, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Richmond ASPCA are appreciated.
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