Thomas Gates

Thomas Bedford Gates, 72, of Whatley, passed away August 17, 2015 at his residence. He was born March 4, 1943. A former bridge tender for Norfolk Southern Railroad, he loved to work with his animals and enjoyed gardening, woodworking and being outdoors. He loved his family, especially children, and always made people laugh.


He is preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Ann Rester Gates; daughter, Karen Ann Gates and brother, Jimmy Gates.


He is survived by his wife, Betty Gates of Whatley; children, Jerry Wayne Gates, Joseph Michael Gates, Jeffrey Thomas Gates, all of Whatley, Jim Creighton of Grove Hill; step children, Russell Callaway, Keith Harbin, Angela Harbin; siblings, Betty Jo Colburn of Cantonment, Fla., Peggy Sue Long, Wayne Gates, both of Whatley; grandchildren, Logan Gates, Savannah Gates, Corey Creighton, Jamie Creighton, Andrew Gates, Jasmine Gates; step-grandchildren, Creedence Callaway, Nicole Callaway, Anthony Hinson and two step-great-grandchildren, Benjamin Russ and Jayden Hinson.


Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. August 19, 2015 at Horeb Baptist Church in Whatley with the Rev. Warren Shewmake officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Whatley Cemetery with Lathan Funeral Home of Grove Hill directing.


Pallbearers will be Will Creighton, Kim Long, Brandon Baugh, Jason Gates, Bruce Andrews and Mickey Colburn.