William (Bill) Anderson Gates, beloved father and devoted friend, died on Monday, November 13, 2017, at Asbury House in Hattiesburg, MS, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 74.
Services will be held at Forrest Funeral Home, 1258 Richburg Rd., Hattiesburg, MS beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a visitation followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Hawaiian shirts, like Bill used to wear on all occasions including funerals, are encouraged.
Bill was born in Davenport, Iowa on October 12, 1943, to the late Evalena Anderson Gates. At the age of eight years old, he moved with his mother and sister, Barbara, to Jackson, Mississippi. While attending Murrah High School, Bill was a drummer in the Murrah High School band. After spending his junior year at Riverside Military Academy, Bill returned to Murrah for what would be, with one exception, an uneventful conclusion to his high school career. Bill arranged for a friend to introduce him to Vicki Johnson, then a sophomore. The high school sweethearts exchanged pins for rings a few years later, and were married for almost fifty years. Everyone who knew Bill and Vicki would attest to the depth, strength, and longevity of their bond.
Bill attended Mississippi State University and then joined the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, Bill began his career in sales which he loved, and which suited him. While at Northern Electric, Bill and Vicki were transferred to many different locations, including Nashville, Chicago (twice) and Dallas, all before settling in Hattiesburg. Bill owned Crossgates Christian Bookstore for a short time in the 1980’s. Starting as a salesman, Bill joined Newell Paper Company and spent the next 32 years there, working his way up to President of the Hattiesburg branch. Even into “retirement,” Bill continued to spend time at Newell Paper and with the customers and friends he loved there.
Bill served his community. He was a board member of Presbyterian Christian School and served as a deacon and elder at Woodland Presbyterian Church for many years. Recently, Bill and Newell Paper Company received the Community Service Award from the City of Hattiesburg. In all his ways, Bill extended his hand in service to others.
Once settled in Hattiesburg, Bill and Vicki raised three children, Jennifer (Gigi), Stuart and Zack. Bill’s life was centered on his love for his family, his friends, and his work. Over the years, he spent his time playing tennis, gathering with friends and family, travelling, and enjoying good food and wine. He loved thinking and planning about where to go, what to do, and where to eat when you got there. A bright light, Bill was best known for his charismatic spirit, generous heart, and extraordinary sense of humor. He always put others first and genuinely cared about the lives of those around him. He believed in hard work and living life in the moment. He handled his battle with cancer with the utmost bravery and positivity, only complaining when it would get a laugh. Even in his last days, he was more interested in how you were than where he was.
Bill's family would like to thank first and foremost Synnetra (Nita) Holliman, who faithfully cared for Vicki during her battle with Alzheimer's, went on to care for Bill in his battle with cancer over the last year and a half, and has become a part of the Gates’ family. They are also grateful for the impeccable care and compassion Bill received from the entire staff of Asbury Hospice House, and from Dr. Laurie Douglas and the staff of Hattiesburg Clinic Hematology/Oncology. Lastly, they wish to express extreme gratitude for Jackson/Newell Paper Company for being a second family to Bill and the rest of the Gates’ family for the past 32 years.
Bill is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vicki Gates; mother, Evalena Gates; and sister, Barbara Gates. Bill is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Walter Boone and step-granddaughters, McLean and Emerson Boone all of Jackson, MS; son, Stuart Gates of Charleston, SC; and son and daughter-in-law, William Z. (Zack) Gates and Linda Lee Gates and grandchildren Garret Gates and Victoria Gates all of St. Petersburg, FL.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations be given in Bill's name to Christian Services Center, 301 E. 2nd St., Hattiesburg, MS, 39401.