Samuel E. Gateley, age 74, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2022 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Sam was born on November 20, 1948 to the late Ray Elton Gateley and Dora Hamilton Gateley in Carroll County, Tennessee.
Sam was good and kindhearted man. He was a giver in so many wonderful ways. He was known as the “Ice Cream Man” at his local McDonalds by all the children. He would make sure all the kids either had a dollar or something extra before going home. He also always made sure that if he saw a homeless person sitting outside, he would go to them and let them get whatever they wanted off the menu. Sam had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his own back.
Sam never met a stranger. He would always find someone to get to know and talk to. He always had a friend somewhere. He was very intelligent and a seldom spender. He would go to the casino with his wife and would barely spend anything to make sure he was taken care of. He was also an avid coin enthusiast. He loved his coins. He would roll them himself and use them for either big or small purchases. Sam also enjoyed his motorcycles. He loved being able to ride with his stepson and grandson whenever he could. He was also a proud and dedicated member of the Masons, and was proud his stepgrandson also joined and made he knew it.
Sam was a one of a kind individual and will be deeply missed by everyone.
Sam is preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Jessie Ray, Mellaqua, and Jimmy.
Sam is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 20 years: Annice Gateley; children: Labriska (William) Blow and Brian Gateley (Michelle); stepson: Mark (Stephanie) Baker; 3 grandchildren; 2 stepgrandchildren; 3 step great grandchildren.
A service for Sam will be held Friday, November 4, 2022 at 2:00 pm with at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to the start of the service at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee. Sam will be laid to rest at Polk Memorial Gardens.
Williams Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
