Gates, James Franklin

James Franklin Gates age 80 of Galax, Virginia passed away Saturday, October 19, 2013 in the Forsyth Medical Center. Mr. Gates was born in Washington County, Virginia on March 19, 1933 to John Walter and Alta Myrtle Moore Gates. Mr. Gates proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife Eleanor Wolfe Gates of Galax, Virginia; daughters and son-in-law Louise Bryant of Galax, Virginia; Cathy and Jeremiah Edwards of Cary, North Carolina; grandchildren Hunter Bryant, Jordan Bryant, Carrie Bryant, Mason Gates and Kael Gates Huff; sister Ruth Sheffield of Glade Springs; brother George Gates of Bedford, Virginia; several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at the Fairlawn Church of Christ at 7:00 PM with Nathan Crowe officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 PM until service time at the Fairlawn Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Holston Home For Children, P.O. Box 188 Greenville, Tennessee 37744 or to the Masonic Home of Virginia, P.O. Box 7866 Henrico, Virginia 23231.