Joe graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 1966. He spent 43 years in the Bearing and Power Transmission Industry. Starting at Bearing Chain and Supply in 1967 and retiring from Purvis Industries in 2010.
Joe is survived by his wife of 42 years, Donna Gates; children, Jodi Wright and husband Steve, Matt Clark and wife Shanna and Cody Gates; sisters, Dorothy, Mary, Carol and Kay; the love of his life, grandson, Jarod “Little Buddy” Clark.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert B. Gates and Lou Story.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at Lloyd James Funeral Home, 1011 East 1st Street, Tyler, Texas 75701, on September 15, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
