Ronnie Gates

Ronnie Eugene Gates, 74, of Whitney, passed away on October 31, 2016, at his residence. No services are scheduled at this time, the family will hold a memorial service at a later date.

Ronnie was born on December 5, 1941, in Madera, California, to Willie and Florence (Logwood) Gates. During the Vietnam War, he served his country in the United States Navy for 6 years and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

In 1989, after retiring from Anchor Glass in Los Angeles as a maintenance machinist, he moved from California to Whitney. He was an avid HAM radio operator and enjoyed going out on the lake in his boat, watching old westerns, CSI and Judge Judy. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of American Legion Post #522 in Whitney.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Judy Gates, on October 5, 2005; and two sisters, Jackie Neider and Cheryl Speicher.

Survivors include his children, Ronald E. Gates, Ronda L. Martin and husband Gabriel; Renea Edwards, and Doug Swilley; six grandchildren, Gene Ormonde, Angela Ormonde, Gabriel Martin, Jr and wife, Katelyn, Lynette Martin, Breanna Morales and husband, Ron, and Heaven Gates; two great-grandchildren, Daniel Ormonde and Brayleigh Morales; several nieces and nephews; and his two best friends, Homer and Spike.

Memorials may be made to Providence Hospice, P.O. Box 2081, Whitney, TX 76692 or Meals on Wheels, 501 W. Waco Dr., Waco, TX 76707.