Obituary of Johnnie J. Gates

CAMDEN - Johnnie Jay Gates, 68, passed away Friday, October 13, 2023. Born June 14, 1955, in Augusta, GA, he is the son of the late Jesse John Gates Sr. and Thelma J. Jackson Gates. Mr. Gates was a Lugoff-Elgin High School Alumni Class of 1974. He served in the United States Navy for 7 plus years and the National Guard for another 12 years, he traveled all over the world to places like Italy, Spain, Iraq and many more. He enjoyed woodworking, NASCAR Racing, watching Clemson sports and westerns, fishing and his beloved dog, Little Bit.

Left to cherish Mr. Gates memory is his sisters, Vonnie Smith and Myra Cameron (Paul); brothers, Jesse Gates, Jr. (Linda) and Thomas Gates (Cynthia); brother-in-law, William Smith; cousin, John Gates; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Gates was predeceased by his late wife, Barbara Webb Gates; his sister, Connie Gates Wheeler; and niece, Crystal R. Smith.

A graveside service for Mr. Gates will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 5:00 pm at Hardshell Cemetery. The Rev. Greg Sweet will be officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Chapel at the Cemetery.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to MUSC Kershaw Health Med 2, MUSC Kershaw Health Hospice, and Dr. Killian for their loving care and support.  Also, a special thanks to Barbara Ray at Veterans Affairs for her assistance.