Obituary for Thomas Gates Sr.
Thomas Ray Gates, Sr., was born on October 1, 1943 in Erie, PA to the late Robert Gates and Edith Atkinson Gates.
Thomas graduated from Academy High School, Erie, PA where he holds the school record for 7 touchdowns in one game. During high school, he was selected as a page for the United States Congress in Washington, D.C.
Thomas served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a dental hygienist in Korea. He was a regional manager for many years at the Quaker Oats Company and then worked in auto sales until retirement.Thomas held the position of Illustrious Potentate of the Shriners Council. He was also a Brother of the Bay City Masonic Lodge #68.
Thomas was a consummate athlete, playing football, basketball, baseball, golf, running track, and lifting weights. He also enjoyed watching basketball and football, especially his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition, Thomas was a skilled card player who participated in weekly Bid Whist and Pinochle tournaments. He was an avid reader habitually checking out novels from the public library. Thomas loved the beach, sharing many memories with family there.
Thomas was a sharp dresser wearing a coordinating fedora, Kangol, or baseball cap with almost every outfit. He was also a skilled dancer and the life of the party, always sure to have a good time. He had a beautiful baritone voice and for a short time sang along with his brother Larry and sister Barbara in the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir, the church where his parents and family were members.
Thomas’ legacy remains in cherished memory shared by his wife Joyce Gates; four children Thomas Ray Gates, Jr. (Kesha Gates), Semone Yvette Danage (Avery Danage, Sr.), Kimberly Rae Gonxhe (Gregory Howard), and Darryl Ray Gates; eleven grandchildren Avery Danage, Jr., Ambyr Danage, Glynese Harris (Christopher Harris), Kyra Freeman, Arielle Danage, Alisha Everett, Thomas Gates, III, Jaden Merrell, Aaliyah Gates, Zion Merrell, and Alainah Gates; six great-grandchildren Christine Harris, Christopher Harris, Jr., Benjamin Hawthorne, Tatum Claridy Braxton Claridy, and Legend Holden; four bonus children Jeffery Favors, Aubrey Favors (Wanda Favors), Paris Favors and Hope Fletcher (William Fletcher); four sisters Sarah Fountain, Gloria Gates, Barbara Gates, and Edith Gates; two brothers Larry Gates (who has since passed) and Joseph Gates; former wife Jacqueline Lee Gates, a host of family and friends, and his dog Joshua.
In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his brother Thomas George Gates, his coparent Regina King and his bonus son Majumo Favors.
Thomas, 76, transitioned from earth to glory on April 3, 2020 at his home in Austell, GA.
Services will be live streamed via Facebook Live at House of Paradise Cremation and Funeral Services.
Thomas graduated from Academy High School, Erie, PA where he holds the school record for 7 touchdowns in one game. During high school, he was selected as a page for the United States Congress in Washington, D.C.
Thomas served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a dental hygienist in Korea. He was a regional manager for many years at the Quaker Oats Company and then worked in auto sales until retirement.Thomas held the position of Illustrious Potentate of the Shriners Council. He was also a Brother of the Bay City Masonic Lodge #68.
Thomas was a consummate athlete, playing football, basketball, baseball, golf, running track, and lifting weights. He also enjoyed watching basketball and football, especially his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition, Thomas was a skilled card player who participated in weekly Bid Whist and Pinochle tournaments. He was an avid reader habitually checking out novels from the public library. Thomas loved the beach, sharing many memories with family there.
Thomas was a sharp dresser wearing a coordinating fedora, Kangol, or baseball cap with almost every outfit. He was also a skilled dancer and the life of the party, always sure to have a good time. He had a beautiful baritone voice and for a short time sang along with his brother Larry and sister Barbara in the Shiloh Baptist Church Choir, the church where his parents and family were members.
Thomas’ legacy remains in cherished memory shared by his wife Joyce Gates; four children Thomas Ray Gates, Jr. (Kesha Gates), Semone Yvette Danage (Avery Danage, Sr.), Kimberly Rae Gonxhe (Gregory Howard), and Darryl Ray Gates; eleven grandchildren Avery Danage, Jr., Ambyr Danage, Glynese Harris (Christopher Harris), Kyra Freeman, Arielle Danage, Alisha Everett, Thomas Gates, III, Jaden Merrell, Aaliyah Gates, Zion Merrell, and Alainah Gates; six great-grandchildren Christine Harris, Christopher Harris, Jr., Benjamin Hawthorne, Tatum Claridy Braxton Claridy, and Legend Holden; four bonus children Jeffery Favors, Aubrey Favors (Wanda Favors), Paris Favors and Hope Fletcher (William Fletcher); four sisters Sarah Fountain, Gloria Gates, Barbara Gates, and Edith Gates; two brothers Larry Gates (who has since passed) and Joseph Gates; former wife Jacqueline Lee Gates, a host of family and friends, and his dog Joshua.
In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his brother Thomas George Gates, his coparent Regina King and his bonus son Majumo Favors.
Thomas, 76, transitioned from earth to glory on April 3, 2020 at his home in Austell, GA.
Services will be live streamed via Facebook Live at House of Paradise Cremation and Funeral Services.