SR0671 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Elder Willie Gates of Alton, who passed away on October 28, 2013; and

WHEREAS, Willie Gates was born in Hollywood, Mississippi; his parents were Dewitt and Almeater (nee Armstrong) Gates; he married Mary Ann (nee Hardin) Gates; and

WHEREAS, Willie Gates was drafted into the United States Navy in July of 1943; he received an honorable discharge in December of 1945; in 1955, he moved to Alton after his dear friend, Pastor Cornelius Brown, offered to move him and his family from Arkansas; and

WHEREAS, Willie Gates was employed at Owens Illinois Glass and retired from there after many years of employment; during his career, he served as President of the local union and attended many years of college at the University of Missouri to retain this position; he also worked as a life insurance agent; and

WHEREAS, Willie Gates accepted the Lord at an early age and was a member of Belle Street Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Superintendent R.J. Monroe; he served as the District Young People Willing Workers President for many years; he was also the founder of Bibleway Church of God in Christ and he kept the church until he became ill; and

WHEREAS, Willie Gates was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Douglas and Johnny Gates; his sisters, Susie Johnson and Mary Ann Gates; and his sons, Ralph and Samuel Gates; and

WHEREAS, Willie Gates is survived by his children, Harold (Jean) Gates, Bobby (Eloise) Gates, Louis Gates, Donna Turner, Doris (Robert) Douglas, Gregory (Grace) Gates, and Yvonne Gates; his 24 grandchildren; his 26 great-grandchildren; his 6 great-great grandchildren; his brothers, Seymour (Betty) Gates, Elexie (Earline) Gates, Tommy (Coretta) Gates, and Charles Gates; his sisters, Dorothy Moody, Mary Gates, and Shirley Smith; and his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we, along with his family and friends, mourn the passing of Elder Willie Gates; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Willie Gates as an expression of our sympathy.