Charles Gates

Charles F. Gates, 72, of Little Rock died on Saturday, May 5, 2007. He was born December 8, 1934 in Fort Payne, Alabama to Ben Gates and Annie Wynn Gates Thomas and was a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. He retired from the U.S. Army as a 1st Sgt. with 28 years of service, having served in occupied Germany, France and many stateside units. He received many commendations and achievement awards during his service. He was also a retired DAC with the Department of the Army Civil Service. Charles, his wife, Margaret and their son were once owners of Silver Moon Jewelry.
He had been a past Scoutmaster, a baseball and softball commissioner, and coach and umpire for baseball and softball. He also had been a Captain and training officer with the Arch Street Fire Department, and a past vice-president of Landmark Optimist Club.
Mr. Gates was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Eugene Thomas and nephews, Brian and Christopher Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margaret Gates and two sons, Charles S. Gates and Mitchell B. Gates (Sarah) of California.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.), Little Rock. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 9 at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Ben Jones and Dr. Bruce Chesser. Burial with full military honors will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. Memorials may be made to Woodlawn Baptist Church, 5520 Woodlawn Ave., Little Rock, AR 72205 or to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church Building Fund, 12400 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72210.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200.