Robby Gates

Robby Clyde Gates, 75, of Grove Hill, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2022, at Grove Hill Memorial Hospital. He was born in Grove Hill on Sunday, February 4, 1947. Although never married, he was a much beloved citizen of the town and served its citizens as well as many who came to Grove Hill for him to work on their automobiles. His father, James Gates, has opened Gates Motor Service in 1951 and Robby continued to operate the service until his health failed. He had played bass guitar in a number of bands and even played for a while in Nashville. He would later confess that the music business was "too stressful" and decided to settle into his work in Grove Hill instead. He was a faithful member of Grove Hill Baptist Church and served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard. He had played high school football and was a notable punter. He would later attend Livingston University.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward Gates, Grace Franklin Gates and aunts, Ethel Gates and Edna Gates.
He is survived by his aunt, Wilma Day; cousins, Sheldon (Carol Ann) Day, Daphne Day and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 20222 at Magnolia Lawn Cemetery in Grove Hill with the Dr Kyle Routzahn officiating and Lathan Funeral Home directing.
Condolences may be offered at www.lathanfuneralhome.com.