Royce Richard Gates 85, of Belmont passed away peacefully on July 14 at the Robin Johnson Hospice House in Dallas, NC. He was the son of the late James and Blanch Gates and was born March 9, 1933 in Merrimac, West Virginia. Richard is survived by his wife Dorothy of White Oak Manor in Kings Mountain, North Carolina; children Deborah Swisher and husband Robert of Gastonia, North Carolina, Keith Gates of Albany, Georgia. Also surviving are 3 grandchildren- Heather Moore of Mount Holly, NC, Sean Swisher of Gastonia, NC and Erica Gates of Toledo, Ohio; 5 great grandchildren Leanna Moore, Brandon Moore, Autumn Crosby, Joseph Stiers, and Ethan Stiers; sisters Kathleen Ramey and Mary Mullins; brothers Kenneth Gates and Darrell Gates. Richard was preceded in death by his son Michael Gates and 10 brothers. Richard was a member of the US Army and Army reserve from 1953 to 1961 with honorable discharge at the rank of corporal. Arrangements have been made at Simple Services in Gastonia, NC and services will be private per his wishes. If desired, please send any donations to Robin Johnson Hospice House, 5005 Shepherds Way, Dallas NC 28034.