Robert Lee Gates, Jr., 74, died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Pensacola, Fla.
Mr. Gates was a native of Robinsonville and former resident of Atmore who had resided in Walnut Hill, Fla. for the past 40 years. A veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, where he was wounded and received two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Starts and a Silver Star, he worked for 50 years as a tug boat captain, accident-free his whole career. He was also a member and former deacon at the Antioch Freewill Baptist Church.
The funeral was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Min. Brad Sullivan officiating. Burial followed at the Antioch Cemetery with Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home directing.
Mr. Gates is survived by two daughters, Linda Lassiter-Hamilton of Panama City Beach, Fla. and Rebel Gates Howard of McDavid, Fla.; one brother, Bobby Ray Gates of Freemanville; two sisters, Bonnie Williams and Wilerneese Cole, both of Atmore; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Gates was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Ruth Gates; one son, Martin Russell Lassiter; his parents, Robert, Sr. and Vonnie Gates; three brothers, Charles Gates, Floyd Gates and Glennard “Buddy” Gates; and one sister, Ruth Augustine Gates; and numerous other relatives and friends.
