Vernon "Gator" GATES

Verne was a great guy and always happy. I never met a guy so excited to wear a badge. He will be missed .

I was just thinking that I hadnt heard from Vernon in a while. We grew up as neighbors and friends in Aurora. We had such great times in the neighborhood. I always heard from him a few times a year, and met up with him a few times when he and his dad were in town and we talked about the show Big Brother. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Gator, you were large and in charge and are missed.

I only met Vern a handful of times as a relatively new neighbor, but he certainly seemed to be a great guy. I really admired how he moved in with Ben (his father) to assist him as needed.

I think I've known Gator well over 30 years. He would order and pick up a large "Alka-Seltzer" pizza about every week. It wasn't all that long ago that we bumped into each other at the Bardmoor Publix --how special he remembered me!
My thoughts and prayers to his family. May you gather all the best of his good life into the pages of your memory to be held in your heart forever.
Love and peace from Nancy and Charlie & Millie's

My sincerest condolences to the Gates Family for the loss of your loved one, Vernon, "Gator", and pray you find comfort in Psalms 91:2.

I have fond memories of working with Gator and seeing him often in his short retirement years. One of the good ones, always upbeat and smiling! My thoughts and prayers for Gator, his family and so many friends. RIP friend...