Colon Gates

Colon “Ray” Gates, our beloved Father and brother, age 92, passed away “into the arms of Jesus” on Sunday, December 6th , 2020 in a local hospital after a brief illness.
He was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on October 9, 1928 and graduated from Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg. Ray was a great basketball player and played on the Oak Grove High School basketball team. He was an auto mechanic by trade.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Effie Gates (Oklahoma); Parents - Noah & Lena Gates (Hattiesburg); 1 brother Claude Gates (Texas); 1 brother Carl J. Gates, (Atlanta, Georgia).
Left to honor his memory are his sister Catherine Griffing of Gulfport and children Marlene Baublit; Kay Dechert (Jerry) and David Brown (Nancy). Grandchildren: Michael, Mark, Stephanie Baublit (Texas); Matthew Dechert (Australia); Justin Brown (California). Great Grandchildren: Mallory, Mattie, Megan, Hannah, Hudson Baublit; Lucas & Carter Dechert.
Ray was a person full of laughter and jokes. His personality was a breath of fresh air along with his stories he would tell. We will miss his smile and humor.
Until we see you again in Heaven Dad, say hello to the rest of the family. We love you and miss you already.