Edward Arnold Gates, age 82, passed away on October 6, 2021 at Caromont Regional Medical Center. Born in Gaston County on October 7, 1938 he was the son of the late Atmer McDuffey and Dorothy Ruth Cloninger Gates. He was a member of McAdenville Baptist Church. Ed was the Personnel Director for Pharr Yarns for a number of years before retiring. He always put other people first, constantly doing for others and not thinking of himself. In addition to his parents, Ed is preceded in death by a brother, Ted Gates and a sister, Sylvia Dellinger.

Ed is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judy Rayfield Gates; a son, Patrick Gates and wife Pattie of Cramerton; two grandchildren, Joshua Gates and wife Alicia and Mallory Watson and husband Jereme; eight great grandchildren; two sisters, Robin Johnson and husband Donny of Dallas and Angel Gates of Statesville.

Graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 11:00 am at Hillcrest Gardens in Mt. Holly with Rev. Damien Gula officiating.