Charles Willard Gates

Charles Willard Gates passed away on November 20, 2019, at the age of 73.  He was in the National Guard and was present for the marching over the Selma Bridge on the second march to Montgomery. Charles was a Machine Operator for Weyerhouser.  He grew up in Union Baptist Church where he met the love of his life, Mildred. Charles was married to Mildred Shields Gates for 46 years.  Charles and his wife Mildred, were a members of Magnolia Assembly of God.  Even though Charles was a very quiet man, he became the "church greeter" at Magnolia Assembly of God.  He loved to turkey and deer hunt. Charles also loved to fish, especially at the Alabama River, Claiborne Lock and Dam.  He was very kind hearted and you never heard a negative word come out of his mouth about anyone. Charles enjoyed planting a vegetable garden every year and "Tinkering" with older vehicles. 

Survivors:

Wife ~ Mildred Shields Gates

Sons ~ Thomas M (Kumiko) Bradford, III and Michael Charles (Melissa) Gates

4 Grandchildren ~ Lillian Bradford Sasser, Harris Gates, Maggi Gates and Anna Bradford

1 Great Grandchild ~ Nolan Sasser

Preceded in Death

Parents ~ William Alex Gates and Willodean Wiggins Gates

Sister ~ Diane Porter

Pallbearers ~ Paul Diabone, Tim Diabone, Harris Gates, Chuck Harris, Coner Porter and

Dean Porter

Honorary Pallbearers ~ Southern Care Hospice

Visitation will be Saturday, November 23, 2019, 10:00 ~ 11:00 AM, at Union Baptist Church.  Funeral service will follow.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Brother Jonathan Hudson will be officiating with St. Stephens Funeral Home directing.

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