Johnny Thomas Gates Jr.

Mr. Johnny Gates Jr, 77, of Eclectic, passed away December 9, 2014. He was born May 23, 1937.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 11, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. The family will also receive friends one hour prior to the 11:00 am funeral service on Friday, December 12, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Eclectic with Rev. Britt Green officiating. Members of his Sunday School class will serve as honorary pall bearers. Burial will follow at Bullard Cemetery, Linville Memorial Funeral directing.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Inez Gates, whom he affectionately called “my lady.” He is also survived by sons, Tim Gates (Pam), Chris Gates (Kathleen Moon), Wesley Gates, Jay Gates (Betsy) and Alan Gates (Sandy); sister, Linda G. Boggess (Walter); grandchildren, Stephanie Meeks, David Gates, Wayne Gates, Joshua Gates, Jessica New, Tyler Gates, Tina, Leslie Hinton, Matthew Gates, Elizabeth Gates, Evelyn Gates and Claire Gates; and ten great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by sons, Tommy Gates and Terry Gates and a brother, Joe Gates.

Johnny will be remembered for operating Old South Barbeque on Georgia Road for several years. He was a graduate of the Class of 1955 of Elmore County High School and a member of First Baptist Church of Eclectic. Johnny was a diligent and hard worker. Even after he retired, his passion for gardening and his yard earned him several “Yard of the Month” awards. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home, Eclectic, Alabama