Gary W. Gates

Gary Wayne Gates, 74, of Parkersburg, passed away on April 3, 2017 at Camden Clark Medical Center. He was born April 5, 1942, in Parkersburg, a son of the late Raleigh and Geraldine Richards Gates. Gary was a 1963 graduate of Williamstown High School. He retired from the Wood County Schools where he was the pony express driver. Gary was an avid fisherman. Dad was a handsome devil with a wicked sense of humor, and a gorgeous head of hair. He enjoyed a hearty meal, a cold beer and a good joke. He is survived by two daughters, Kelly Gates (Rick Radcliffe) of Waverly, WV, and family, Jennifer Dunfee (Jamie), Michael Lightfritz, and Molly Still (Mark). Daughter, Jennifer Kelley (Kevin) of Puyallup, Washington and family, Elizabeth, Valerie, and Rachel Slone; three step-sons, Bill Gray (Sherri) of Vienna, and family, Madison and Hannah Gray. Ron Gray (Megan) of California, and family, Eli and Harper Gray. Ben Gray (Rebecca) of Hilton Head, SC, and family, Chloe, Tinley, and Barrett Gray. Two sisters, Molly Ice (Larry) and Judy Hutson (Everett) all of Vienna; one brother, Don Gates of Parkersburg; a sister in-law, Judy Gates of Williamstown; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother and his good fishing buddy, his brother, Randy Gates. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 2333 Pike St., south Parkersburg with Everett Hutson officiating. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Williamstown, WV. The family will receive friends at the funeral Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. till the time of the service. The family wishes to extend their thanks to Amedisys Hospice and the staff at Camden Clark Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Gary, take a kid fishing. Online condolences can be made at www.lamberttatman.com.