Larry Wyman Gates

Larry Wyman Gates, a longtime resident of Fort Pierce, FL passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 20, 1948 in Tifton, GA. He was 75 years old.

Mr. Gates was preceded in death by his father, Charles Willoughby Gates, his mother, Imogene Smith Gates, sister-in-law, Mary Sue Gates, brother-in-law, William Albert Cooper, nephew, Derrell Charles Gates, and nephew, Gerald Dean Bellamy.

A faithful 33-year employee of Publix Supermarkets, Mr. Gates began his career as a bagger at 16 years old. Through years of dedicated service, he worked his way to store manager, opening several new stores in the area and going on to receive the inaugural George W. Jenkins Award for the Miami Division in 1991.

Mr. Gates retired from Publix in 1998 and spent the next 26 years in his natural state of pouring into those around him. You could usually find him spending time with his 11 adoring grandchildren, fishing with friends and family, bringing loved ones on rides in his airboat, travelling to visit his close-knit extended family, or volunteering within his church.

Mr. Gates was a devoted Christian who lived out his faith in Jesus Christ through his actions, remembered by all who had the privilege to know him as a generous, thoughtful, loving, and service-oriented believer. For years, he taught Sunday school and was part of a bus ministry that invited community members to attend church services and provided transportation. He was a member of Westside Church in Fort Pierce.

Mr. Gates is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Diane Ramsey Gates, his children: Tina Orwall, Donna (Jeff) Owens, Larry (Julie) Gates Jr., and Charlie (Kristin) Gates, siblings: Charlene Cooper, Derrell Gates, and Roger (Martha) Gates, grandchildren: Jenna (Jeff) Pinkstaff, Alec Shamseldin, Michael (Shelby) Owens, Evan (Jordan) Owens, J.D. (Kaity) Owens, Lindsay Gates, Kayley (Mitchell) Wokomaty, Cassie (Carson) Jones, Ansley Gates, Kenneth Gates, Charlie Nichole Gates, and five great grandchildren.

There are many other extended family members and family friends who loved and remember him forever as Uncle Larry.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 4 at Westside Church at 2 p.m. in Fort Pierce. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 1 p.m. until the time of the service. A graveside service will follow the celebration of life at White City Cemetery.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6