Born July 31 (or July 30 depending on who you ask), 1937, Harold Gates lived to serve, laugh, socialize, and tell others about Jesus. As the baby of his family, Harold loved being the center of attention, and he demanded that his shirts be pressed and his pants be starched. Growing up in the era of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, Harold set the standard on looking sharp.

Harold honorably served his country in the Air Force from 1956 - 1957. While in the Air Force, he learned to be early to every event (if you are on time, you are late), and he carried this lesson throughout the rest of his life, much to the chagrin of his family who valued being fashionably late to everything.

Harold met the love of his life, Frances, in 1957. He would hitch hike home to see Frances while he was still in the Air Force. They fell madly in love, and despite spinning the wheels in his fancy Chevrolet in her parents' driveway, which kicked up rocks and dust in her father's face, they were married in 1959. They remained faithfully married for the next 65 years, and Frances stood by her man all the way to the end.

The apple of Harold's eye, his daughter Angela, remained a constant source of joy, frustration, laughter, anger, and always love. He loved Angela with all he had. They spoke just about every day of her life, and they enjoyed long walks together and solving the world's problems (which he was always full of opinions).

The only person who may could have challenged Angela's place was his only grandson, Joseph. They were as thick as thieves, and they loved playing dominoes and Rook, and watching the Razorbacks. Harold was extremely proud of his grandson, and he kept a picture of Joseph in his truck at all times. Harold helped raise Joseph, and Joseph loved him like a father.

Harold became a deacon in 1984, and he faithfully served his church family ever since. Harold loved being the last person to leave on Sundays as he had to check on everyone, and of course, tease the ones he loved the most. Harold spent his career as a truck driver, and he won several safety awards. He took his work very seriously, and he greatly valued a job well done. Harold always kept a nice vehicle fully chromed out and always shining.

Harold passed away on August 7, 2024, in his home. The family is grateful for the sweet care that Arkansas Hospice provided to Harold in his final weeks.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Violet Gates, his brothers Clarence, Paul, and Curtis, and sister Oree.

He leaves behind his wife, Frances, his daughter, Angela, his grandson Joseph, and Joseph's family (wife Edith, and daughters Sofia, Violet, and Emilia), his brothers- and sisters-in law, his nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends.

Harold taught his family about blessed assurance, and while we know he is doing his dance with Jesus, we will greatly miss him until we see him again. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, in Sheridan, Arkansas.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church at Sheridan with Bro. Terry Williams and Joseph Gates officiating.  Graveside service will be at 3:00 P.M. Saturday at Union Cemetery in Rye, Arkansas.  Visitation is Friday, 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Carroll Wayne Lathan, Jeff Kimbrell, Randy Lott, Curtis Talbert, Paul Wilson and Tyler Freeman. Honorary pallbearers are Billie P. Smith, John Gatlin, Robert Ashcraft, Bill Donaldson, Billy Smith, Men of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.