Melvin Edward Gates, 71, of Alexander, passed away Saturday, September 29, 2018.  We expected him to come home from the health rehab, but he left us too soon.  He was born to Isaac and Gladys Gates in Little Rock on July 19, 1947.

His life cannot be easily summed up in a few sentences.  Melvin was an ordained deacon and served faithfully at Green Memorial Baptist Church in Little Rock.  He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, tinkering on vehicles, and cooking for friends and family.  He played bass, electric guitar, and standard guitar often during worship at church, for family reunions, and to entertain friends and family. Melvin worked as an auto technician in the automotive industry during his working years.

Those who went before him include his parents; sister, Martha Stobaugh-Long; and brother, James Gates.  Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Linda Taber Gates; daughters, Khristina Gates and Brenda Gates; grandson, D.J. Gates; brother, John Gates (Pat) of California; and his faithful canine companion, Lil Bit.

We will celebrate his life at noon, Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas.  Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas.   The family will receive friends from 6-8 P.M., Monday evening at the funeral home.

Please feel free to share memories and condolences in the online guestbook.