John Curtis (JC) Gates (Pawpaw), 82, of Tuckerman, departed this life on August 29, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Tuckerman on June 26, 1942, to Charles Ray and Lucille (Stoner) Gates.
Bro. Gates was a devoted member of Central Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher. His passion for ministry led him to pastor at several churches over the years, including Lebanon Baptist Church, McDougal Baptist Church, Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Old Glaise Baptist Church, and Enterprise Baptist Church. He inspired countless people with his wonderful personality and unwavering faith.
Throughout his life, Bro. Gates also worked at the Dr. Pepper Company, Adams Brothers, Firestone, and Goodyear, where he continued his ministry by witnessing to those he encountered. He loved bass fishing, deer and duck hunting, singing, and sharing conversations about the Lord. His legacy of faith, love, and kindness will be cherished by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Sam and Ronnie Gates, and two sisters: Kathryn Green, and Louise Emery.
Bro. Gates is survived by his wife; Glenda Summers Gates of the home, one son; Anthony Gates and wife Sharon of Tuckerman, one daughter; Melanie Gates Hutchison and husband Ron of Tuckerman, one brother; Jerry Gates and wife Velda of Newport, special brother in laws; Mark Summers and wife Karen, Sam Summers and friend Gwen, two sisters Carolyn Bailey, Sue Huskey and husband Carroll, one grandson; Brad Hutchison and wife Laura, one great grandchild McKinzy Hutchison, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his special fur baby Grizzley.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 Wednesday, September 4 at the Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel with Internment in Gracelawn Cemetery, Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00. Pallbearers will be Robby Medlock, Doug Snook, David Jones, James Kinard, David Burgess, and Roger Sutterfield. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill McElvaney, Robert Leasure, Larry Luther, and David Benson.
