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William Gates Obituary
West Union - William Thomas Gates of Seneca, SC passed away Monday, May 10, 2021. Bill was a devoted husband, father, friend and mentor. He was an avid fly fisherman and lover of the outdoors. He loved traveling, listening to music with a nice glass of wine, and grilling on college game days.
He is predeceased by his loving Wife of 51 years, Ruthanne Gates, Mother Louise Beason Gates and Father William Horace Gates. He is survived by his children Bryan and Caryn Gates, Sister Carol Gates, and his beloved dogs Jake and Atheana.
Bill served in the United States Marine Corp, achieving the distinction of Captain while serving in field and staff positions in various parts of the world including Hawaii, Japan, and Washington DC. As he returned to civilian life, he began a career in logistics and earned a post graduate degree for MS Logistics Systems Management in 1984.
In addition to being an exceptional business leader, he was a life-long learner and enjoyed mentoring others to higher achievement levels. He was revered by many in the third party logistics industry and considered one of the leading authorities in warehousing. Bill was recognized in the 3PL discipline as the CEO of Standard Corporation, a Columbia, SC based company he led to national prominence before being acquired by UTiW. He retired from UTi Worldwide in 2011 and in 2013 became chairman of the board for Sunland Logistics Solutions.
Bill often appeared as a guest lecturer and speaker for numerous universities and professional associations. He served as a board member and President of the Warehousing Education Research Council. He also served as a President for the local Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Roundtable.
His authenticity, compassion, and ability to inspire others earned Bill the deep admiration from many who had the opportunity to work with him. His management approach is reflected in his favorite leadership quote from former U.S. Senator, Alan Simpson, "If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters."
Funeral services for Bill will be held Saturday May 22, 2021 2:00 PM Eastern Utica Baptist Church at 4056 Wells Highway Seneca, SC 29678.
A celebration of life will immediately follow at the Madren Conference Center 230 Madren Center Drive Clemson, SC 29634.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bill's honor to All 4 Paws Animal Rescue 708 Petigru Drive Pawley's Island, SC 29585
Keowee Funeral Services is assisting the Gates Family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Gates
Sponsored by Cremation Society of SC - Brown Funerals - Seneca formerly Brown-Oglesby Funeral Home.
2 Entries
Bill Miller
June 28, 2021
I was fortunate to be on the WERC Board at the time Bill became a part of the Board. He was a great addition. Bill was a leader with sensitivity, wisdom, industry insight and vision, and he brought great value to the WERC organization. He was a people person that helped develop and improve all that worked with him and for him. Bill and Ruthanne made you feel like you were lifelong friends - always glad to see you. Thinking of Bill will always bring back wonderful (and a couple of humorous) memories. You are already missed!
Tom Sharpe
May 20, 2021
As the retired Executive Director and COO of the Warehousing Education and Research Council I had numerous interactions with Bill and deeply respected and appreciated his wisdom and insight. Our relationship went beyond business. We respected each other and got along well. As president of WERC in 2003-2004 Bill was a person well known and highly respected in the logistics community. WERC benefited from his vision and leadership. When I chose to retire in 2000 I remember what Bill said to me privately at a WERC conference in San Antonio. I will never forget it. What an amazing man for whom I had and have profound respect. I will remember you Bill as the class guy you were. My guess is that so many others will feel the same.
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Cremation Society of SC - Brown Funerals - Seneca101 E. North Second Street, Seneca, SC 29678
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