Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Johnny Gates Obituary
Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home, 2930 Colonial Drive, is in charge of service.
Command Sgt. Maj. Johnny Wardell Gates, a son of the late Ethredge Hartwell and Leola Pearl Summers Gates, was born June 19, 1928, in Lexington, SC. He was the fourth of five children. He departed this life on Saturday, December 10, 2011, in Lexington Hospital.
Wardell was educated in Lexington County Public Schools and attended Allen University in Columbia, SC. He was a United States Army Korean War veteran, having served 40 years including active and reserve duties. He joined the United States Army as a private and rose to the highest rank achievable - command sergeant major - for an enlisted servicemen. He achieved several awards while serving in the United States Army: Combat Infantryman Badge, Korean Campaign Medal with four Bronze Stars, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal.
Wardell was involved in several organizations, was the Past Commander of American Legion Post 217 in Lexington, SC, an active lifetime and grievance board member of the Lexington Chapter of the NAACP, Non Commissioned Officers Association, and Masonic Lodge in Columbia, SC, VFW and Lexington Sports Travel Club. He was a dedicated member of Spring Hill A.M.E. Church where he expressed saving faith in Jesus Christ; he was an active trustee, on the Usher Board and Columbia District Lay Organization. In his leisure time he enjoyed, hunting, gardening, fishing, traveling and spending a lot of quality time with his grandchildren, brother, Andrew Gates, and sister, Ella Flourish Kinard.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Veronica Annunciata Holder Gates, brother, James C. Gates of Lexington, SC, sister, Okynese Dinkins of Columbia, SC, grandson, Mikle Green of West Columbia, SC. He leaves to cherish fond memory and continue his legacy, his one loving daughter, Valarie E. Gates-Kimpson (Charlie) of West Columbia, SC; one brother, Andrew C. Gates (Lilian) of Lexington, SC; one sister, Ella Florisha Kinard of Lexington, SC; one sister-in-law, Hertisene Gates; one brother-in-law, Richard Dinkins; four grandchildren, Gabrielle Green, Kimberly Green, Jordan Kimpson of Columbia, SC; two special nieces, Janice Dinkins (Querida) of Columbia, SC, Doris Holder Torabi (Adyn) of Fort Worth, TX; a host of special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and close relatives and friends. We appreciate his devoted and special friend, Asenath C. Ferguson, George Lawson and Elizabeth Samuels. bosticktompkinsinc.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Johnny Gates
6 Entries
The Holman, Watson & Summers family
January 2, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Commander Herbie Caughman, American Legion Post 217
January 2, 2012
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
LaDoris Walker
December 17, 2011
Deepest sympathy to the Gates family. Lean on God to help you and keep you strong.
Love,
LaDoris Walker & Family
Asia & Letha Ferguson
December 16, 2011
To the Family of the late Johnny Gates, we were so sorry to hear of his death. May God comfort your grieving hearts. The Lord is no stranger to sorrow. He sees your pain. He will cover you and keep you in His care; bringing to mind beautiful memories of Mr. Gates with whom you have shared so much.
Deepest Sympathy!!
Prophetess Kelly Williams
December 16, 2011
My deepest condolences are with your family at this difficult time. May
God strenghthen your family during this
time of bereavement. My thoughts & prayers are with you. May God shower you all with his peace & comfort. God bless you all.
Jocelyn G
December 16, 2011
To the Family of Johnny Gates, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. During hard times such as these, we could all use a little comfort. God's promise that he will soon "wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away" As you and your family hold tight to this promise, I hope you are able to find peace and comfort.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Johnny Gates's name
Memorial Events
for Johnny Gates
How to support Johnny's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Johnny Gates's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
