Robert Lee Gates

Robert Lee Gates, 83, of Huntersville, NC passed on January 9th, 2019.  Bob was born in Canton, OH on April 9th, 1935 to the late William A. Gates and Stella G. Wolford.  Along with his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Patricia L. Gates and brother, William A. Gates.  He is survived by his son, Larry Gates; daughter, Shawn Kilby and son-in-law, Allan Kilby.

After graduating from Phoenix Union High School, Bob joined the Army in January, 1955 and served our country through active duty and reserves for 12 years.  After leaving the military, Bob began working as a warehouse supervisor for Western Electric which later became AT&T.  He retired from AT&T after 42 years of service and proudly earned the status of Lifetime Membership in the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Bob enjoyed riding motorcycles, both dirt bikes and Goldwings, and was a member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club in Phoenix, AZ.  He enjoyed being a gun collector and marksman, a rank he earned as expert in the military.  Bob also loved all animals.  He always had a cat in his life and most recently, a group of squirrels that he fed daily.

Bob enjoyed being raised in and living in Phoenix, AZ and had moved to Huntersville two years ago to be with family.  He will always be remembered as a Desert Rat.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 14th, 2019 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Huntersville.  A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm, immediately following visitation, also at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert's memory to Catering to Cats and Dogs, P.O. Box 43567, Charlotte, NC 28215.

The Gates family is under the care of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Huntersville.  Online condolences may be made at kepnerfh.com.