Ronald “Ron” Wayne Gates went to his heavenly home on October 12, 2023. He fought a valiant battle with cancer, but the cancer won. It was a very sad day for his family and friends. A light has gone out in the lives of those who loved him. We will miss his bright personality and infectious smile.
Ron was born in Plasterco, Virginia, to Carl and Eula Gates on April 25, 1947. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a friend to so many. He is survived by his wife, Wanda; son, Michael (Angie); daughter, Amy (Jeff); grandchildren, Kristen, Leah, Westley, Brooke; one great-grandson, Kamdyn; and his sister, Anne (Dick).
Ron graduated from Patrick Henry High School in Glade Spring, Virginia, and received a BS from East Tennessee State University. He was called into the Navy and served in the Vietnam War. He grew up hunting and fishing in the mountains of Southwest Virginia and as a young man he was lucky to see most of the United States with his Boy Scout Troop.
He worked for several companies in Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida. He found his happy place in Cullman where he was Business Manager for Sacred Heart Catholic School. He loved the students and they loved “Mr. Ron”. He thought working at Sacred Heart was much better than retirement.
Ron was a generous man with his love and his time. He was always there to help anyone in need or to provide a shoulder to lean on. At the end of the day, he loved to sit on his back porch with a glass of Jim Beam listening to George Jones or other country favorites.
We are grateful to Father Patrick, the Sacred Heart School and Parrish, and Southern Care New Beacon Hospice for their tender care in his last days.
We hope that each of you has special memories of Ron. If you wish to honor him please send a donation to Wanda Gates to help with the expenses incurred during the many months of his illness. Your honor of him will be greatly appreciated. Make the check payable to Wanda Gates. On the purpose line: For Honoring Ron Gates. Send to the Regions Bank, 711 2nd Ave SW Cullman AL 35055, Attention: Jasmine Peeples. You may also honor him by contributing to the Sacred Heart Student Scholarship Fund.
