Mr. Gates served in the US Navy during WWII. He was employed by the United States Postal Service for 30 years and retired at the age of 55. He was a very loving husband and father and loved all children that came to be.
Mr. Gates is survived by his wife, Shonah D. Gates; son, Richard Gates (Heidi); grandchildren, Sandy Gates, Caterina Gates; great-grandchildren, Dalton Smith, Jessica Smith, Tiffany Upchurch, Michelle Bosby, Taylor Walker, Abraham and Ceila; great-great-grandchildren, Kairi Coleman and Barrett Smith. He was predeceased by his daughter, Patricia Ann Gates and siblings, Della Senn, Katherine Metts, Virginia Dobbins, Amos Gates, Mary Tolar and Hayward Gates.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Gibson Cemetery, 3111 Delree Street, West Columbia, SC 29170. Social distancing will be practiced and masks are required for those in attendance. Memorials may be made to Greenhill Baptist Church, 1800 Augusta Road, West Columbia, SC 29169.
