William Eric Gates Sr.

Born: March 14, 1964 — Romulus, Michigan (Wayne County)

Died: January 24, 2026 — Azria Health Age: 61

With heavy and broken hearts, we announce the passing of William Eric Gates, who left this world on January 24, 2026, at Azria Health. His passing was sudden and unexpected, and the loss has been deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

William Eric Gates was born on March 14, 1964, in Romulus, Michigan, to Lewisteen Logan and Bill Gates. From an early age, he had a deep love for all things fantasy. His interests ranged from Dungeons and Dragons, Star Trek, and comic books to martial arts, with Bruce Lee being a longtime favorite. He also had an eclectic taste in music, enjoying everything from rock and roll and smooth jazz to 1960s R&B and soul.

He ran track and field throughout high school and played the tuba in the marching band. Although he was an only child, he was surrounded by a large and loving family who kept him busy and supported him throughout his life. He often spoke fondly of his maternal grandfather, whom he credited with teaching him everything he knew about cars. He loved fixing and repairing them in his spare time, a passion passed down from his grandfather. These early years helped shape the man so many came to admire and love.

My father served in the United States military as a Naval Corpsman for both the Navy and the Marine Corps from the ages of 18 to 20. He took great pride in serving his country and spoke often of the experiences he had during that time. He especially cherished the opportunity to travel the world at such a young age and was excited for his children to someday do the same.

Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to the maintenance field, eventually serving as Director of Maintenance in his final role. He loved working with people, building community, and doing everything he could to support his family and those around him. His strong work ethic and dedication left a lasting impression on his children, one we continue to carry with us.

Above all else, my father cherished his family and loved ones. He shared a life filled with love, laughter, and memories with his wife, Karen Gates, to whom he was married for over 20 years. Together, they were devoted parents and grandparents, always offering support, wisdom, and a listening ear.

He truly enjoyed spending quality time with his children and worked tirelessly to provide for them. It was not uncommon for him to spend hours playing video games with us, trying to beat role playing games like Lara Croft and Fatal Frame. Many weekends were filled with takeout food and long gaming sessions, memories any child would treasure. He was fiercely protective of his children and never hesitated to stand up for us, reminding us of our worth. He was also a trusted source of dating advice and taught us the importance of loyalty and consistency.

Some of my favorite memories include him buying me my first white bike, along with a bright lime green Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles helmet that was repeatedly stolen. Somehow, he always managed to find it. He was also an animal lover and once surprised me with a little black Labrador puppy, whom I later named Luke after flipping through the Bible and landing on the first name I saw. I will never forget waking up to that tiny puppy lying beside my head.

He taught his son how to fish and shared his love of cars and technology. He taught both of us how to skateboard and rollerblade in our early years. One memory that still makes me laugh is watching him fly off a skateboard on a closed tennis court while trying to demonstrate proper balance. These moments, filled with laughter and love, are ones I will cherish forever.

He showed us compassion, joy, and unwavering love. I will carry those lessons with me always and continue his legacy through my own child. His presence brought comfort and warmth to everyone around him. Though he will be deeply missed, we find peace knowing he can finally rest, and we believe we will see him again.

William Eric Gates is survived by his children, Naomi Lewisteen Gates and William Eric Gates, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will carry his memory forward.

William Gates lived a life defined by love, dedication, and quiet strength. He will be remembered for his gentle heart, tireless work ethic, and deep devotion to his family. He treated others with respect and compassion, and to this day, I do not know a harder worker. He taught his children the value of drive, grit, and fairness in life. One of his favorite sayings was, “Make sure you can always look yourself in the mirror at the end of the day.” This reflected his belief in loyalty, integrity, and personal responsibility. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the love he shared so freely.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered love, support, and prayers during this time. William Eric Gates will forever remain in our hearts.