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BORN
1942
DIED
2024
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Thomas Gates Obituary
June 6, 1942 - April 4, 2024
Burnsville, North Carolina - Thomas Dean Gates, 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 4, 2024. A resident of Burnsville, NC since 2009, he previously lived and worked in Charlotte. He was born in Surgoinsville, TN on June 6, 1942, and was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas George Gates and Thelma Harrell Gates.
Dean is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sandra Gates; daughter Tina Gates Brooks (Ron) of Charlotte; along with many extended family members and friends.
After graduating from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, he attended Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After college, he served in the US Air Force. In Charlotte, Dean founded a construction company, was a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission, and worked with the Mecklenburg Historical Association. In Charlotte, he formed the Laymen Quartet that recorded two gospel albums and performed in churches across NC for more than a decade.
Visitation will be held at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home in Burnsville on Monday, April 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. Graveside services with military honors will be held in Charlotte on Wednesday, April 17, at 1 p.m. at Forest Lawn West Cemetery at 4601 Freedom Drive.
Online condolences may be made at: holcombebrothersfuneralhome.com. Donations in his memory be made to Compassionate Care WNC, 856 Georges Fork Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Funeral services provided by:
Forest Lawn West Funeral & Cremation Service4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208
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