Paul Jonathan Gates

Mr. Paul Jonathan Gates, 97, of Ellijay, died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, at the Copper Basin Life Care Center.

He was born Aug. 21, 1925, in Gilmer County, to the late Andy F. Gates and Tamer Sumner Gates.

He was employed by Lockeed Corporation for 30 years and proudly served our nation in the United States Navy and was in World War II.

He was a son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, veteran and one of the most honorable and genuine man anyone could have met.

He lived a wonderful life of 97 years and three months that will never be forgotten. While he will be missed, we know that he is with the angels.

He is preceded in death by loving wife, Betty Keener Gates; son, Tommy Gates and grandson, Kevin Bryant.

He is survived by daughter, Jody Henry, of Ellijay; sister, Alice Davis, of Ellijay; grandchildren, Jarrod Holmes, Neil Gary and Elise Carrell; nine great-grandchildren; special niece, Debbie White; and caregiver, Mandy Nelson.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, from the Gates Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Naylor and daughter, Jody Henry officiating.

Interment was in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jimmy Crump, Rex Davis, Chaston Carrell, Carl Hill Jr., Mason Cantrell and Chris Newton.

Donations can be made to the Gates Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o  Evelyn Hammondtree, 5311 Gates Chapel Road, Ellijay, GA 30540.

Condolences can be made at www.bernhardtfh.com.

Bernhardt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.