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Mr. Robert Lee Gates Jr., 74, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in Pensacola, Fla. 

Mr. Gates was a native of Robinsonville, former resident of Atmore and had resided in Walnut Hill, Fla. for the past 40 years.

Capt. Gates was a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, where he was wounded and received two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and a Silver Star. He was a tug boat captain for 50 years, where he was accident free for the those 50 years and was a member and former deacon at the Antioch Freewill Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Alice Ruth Gates; parents, Robert Sr. and Vonnie Gates; three brothers, Charles Gates, Floyd Gates and Glennard “Buddy” Gates; baby sister, Ruth Augustine Gates; son, Martin Russell Lassiter; and special friend, Wayne Burkette. 

He is survived by his two daughters, Linda Lassiter-Hamilton of Panama City Beach, Fla. and Rebel Gates Howard of McDavid, Fla.; one brother, Bobby Ray Gates of Freemanville; two sisters, Bonnie Williams of Atmore and  Wilerneese Cole of Atmore; seven grandchildren, Russell, Tosha, Tabitha, Lauren, Hannah, Haden and Martina; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held October 26, 2019 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Minister Brad Sullivan officiating.

Burial followed at the Antioch Cemetery.

Visitation was held October 25, 2019 at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home. 

Pallbearers were Salvador B. Perez, Johnny Robb, Richard Burkette, Mark Burkette, Joe Clay Howard and Floyd Geary Gates. 

Honorary pallbearer was Coach Burkette and Chadwick Cook.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC of Atmore was in charge of all arrangements.