Mr. Ivory Gates

Ivory Gates transitioned into eternal rest on August 3, 2015, surrounded by the people that loved him the most, his family.

Ivory was born May 28, 1954, to the union of the late Henry and Charlene Paige Gates of Shreveport, LA.

He proudly served his country for twenty four years in the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. Upon his retirement, Ivory chose to embark on a new journey in adult education. He became an instructor at the Valdosta Technical School, now known as the Wiregrass Technical College. While at Valdosta Tech, Ivory was more than just an educator. He was a true professional and mentor to many. Ivory also took the opportunity to further his own education while teaching others and obtained his Master’s degree in Adult Education from the Valdosta State University. At the time of his passing, Ivory was pursuing his doctorate from Walden University.

Ivory accepted Christ at an early age and as he began to get ill, he depended on the Lord more and more each day. As a believer, he knew the Lord had a plan for his life.

In addition to his parents, Ivory is preceded in death by one sister: Charlesetta Watley and one brother: Eric Jerome Gates.

Ivory leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife: Robin Jones Gates of Valdosta, GA; his three children: Felicia Goins (Warrent, Sr.) of Warner Robins, GA, LaToya Gates of Valdosta, GA and LaRonda Gates of San Antonio, TX; two step-children: Travell and Jyrell Jones of Valdosta, GA and Natasha Cook (Michael) of Arkansas; five grandchildren: Warrent Jr. of Fort Benning, GA, Turquois and Teal-quila of Warner Robins, GA, Brianna and Xavier “Alex” of Valdosta, GA and Michael III of Arkansas; one sister: Addie Lee of Houston, TX; his four brothers: Henry Gates Jr. of Benton, LA, Lee Otis Gates of Dallas, TX, John Henry Gates (Tina) of Dallas, TX, and Anthony Gates (Blanca) of Las Vegas, NV; one uncle: Harry Gates, Jr.; mother in-law: Allean Grant; four sisters in-law: Patricia Miller, Gwen Grant, Angela Grant, and Kendra Raines (Dewayne); four brothers in-law: Lindell Miller (Gloria), Steve Grant, Robert Grant, and Randall Grant (Lisa); long time special friends: Mary Gates, Jimmy Holloway, and Curtis Sermon; and a host of relatives, colleagues, and friends.

Special thanks to the staff at Shands Hospital, South Georgia Medical Center, Pearlman Cancer Center, Hospice of South Georgia, First America Pharmacy, and Barnes Pharmacy.

The celebration of life for the late Mr. Ivory Gates will be held Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 11:00am from the sanctuary of The Church at Pine Hill.

Alex Bunion is the pastor.

Bishop J. P. Miller will officiate.

Interment will follow in Riverview Memorial Gardens.