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Gates Winters Obituary
June 25, 1940 - June 8, 2019
Macon, GA- Gates Winters, 78, of Macon, Ga. passed away on June 8, 2019. The family will greet friends at Hart's-Cherry Street on Tuesday June 11, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held at Hart's-Cherry Street on Wednesday June 12, 2019, at 1:00 pm followed by an internment service at 3:00 pm at Bradley Baptist Church. Rob Robinson officiating.
Gates was born on June 25, 1940 in Bradley, GA to Gates and Myrtle (Darden) Winters. His childhood also included stops in Fort Pierce, Florida. He graduated from Jones County High School and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia. He also earned his Master's in Education from Georgia College. Though he was proud of his degrees they could not compare to the pride he felt in serving his country in the United States Army. In addition to being a veteran, his strong Christian faith helped shape the type of husband, father, and man he would be.
Gates began a career in education by teaching and coaching at Jones County High School. After a couple of years he then began teaching and coaching in the Bibb County school system at Southwest High School. But the majority of his years were spent at Ballard Hudson (Ballard A) Middle School. There he taught Social Studies (Georgia Studies) and Science and also coached football, baseball, and wrestling. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling to Panama on mission trips, watching sports (anything University of Georgia and New York Yankees), painting, and listening to Bluegrass music. Gates was a longtime member of Thomaston Road Church of Christ (Southside Church of Christ) and served as a Deacon for many years. He never met a stranger and once you met him you had a friend for life. He was a loving husband and father. The only person he loved more than his grandchildren was his wife, Gloria.
Gates is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gloria (Chambliss); daughter and son-in-law Vicki and Brent Lanford (Macon), their two sons Nicholas and Carter Lanford; son Gates W. Winters, III (Tuscaloosa, AL) son and daughter-in-law Greg and Lisa Winters (Macon), their two children Sara Elizabeth and William Winters; sister Patsy and Omer Trice; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Charles and Iris Ann Chambliss (Macon); nephew Stephen and Norlene Trice; niece Carey and Charles Wimberly (Macon); niece Kelly Chambliss (Macon); cousin Angela and Dr. Louis Spear (Gainesville, GA); cousin Carol Ann and Bill Epps (Jones County) and many cherished friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gates' memory can be made to Jay's Hope or Thomaston Road Church of Christ-Panama Missions.
Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 765 Cherry Street, Macon GA has charge of the arrangements.
View the online memorial for Gates W. Winters, Jr.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gates Winters
June 19, 2019
My sincerest condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May you take comfort in knowing that God is extending his loyal love and comfort during this difficult time (Ps. 119:41).
Carolyn Shipp
June 15, 2019
Gloria, Ted and I were so sorry to learn of Gates death. You and Chip and Duck are in our prayers for peace. Ted and Carolyn Shipp.
The Waters Family Jonathan and Rachel
June 11, 2019
With deepest sympathy, we are sad to here of your loss. Mr. Winters was a great man and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Valerie Hicks-Stewart
June 11, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family!
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Kathy Autry Jefcoats
June 10, 2019
Gloria, Vickie, Chip and Greg: I am so sorry to hear of the death of your beloved husband and father. I loved Gates, and I looked up to him as a father figure and example of a good, Christian man. I have many fond memories of him and his involvement with our teen group at Southside and then later when he came to Ballard to teach and coach while I was a student there. The first time I rode the Scream Machine was with Gates at my side! I screamed my head off and hung on to his arm for safety. I enjoyed babysitting for you kids and talking to Gloria in general about babies and little kids.
Your family meant so much to me, you just can't know how much.
I know for a fact Gates is with his Heavenly Father and is at peace. I pray you all find strength to handle the grief and loss. I lost my own husband of 40 years in 2017 so I understand your pain.
My prayers are with you all always. My mother, Karrel Autry Seawright, also extends her sympathies.
Juanita Grey
June 10, 2019
Mrs. Winters & Family,
With deepest sympathy, I am sorry to hear of Mr. Winters' passing.
Donna Johnson
June 10, 2019
My heart and prayers go out to you all.
Brian and Regena Demere
June 10, 2019
Gloria and family, we were so sorry to hear of Gates' passing. Prayers and love sent your way and many thanks for always looking after Grandma when she was living across the street.
Megan Hayes
June 10, 2019
Sweet Mrs. Gloria and family, I am so saddened to hear of this news. I know how much Mr. Winters was the rock of this family. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Cheryl Spillers
June 10, 2019
Prayers for family at this time. What a wonderful life he had.
Allyson & Walter Moody
June 10, 2019
Our hearts are with you all.
Shaun Foust
June 10, 2019
Coach Winters taught me in social studies at Ballard Hudson. He was a great man! I am sorry for your family's loss. Prayers for you all.
Bobby Wheeler
June 9, 2019
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
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Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center - Cherry Street765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201
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