Thomas Gates Jr.

Published in The Virginian Pilot on 12/9/2008

Thomas A. Gates Jr. NORFOLK - Thomas A. Gates Jr. died Dec. 7, 2008. He was born Aug. 3, 1927, to the late Thomas A. and Ruby W. Gates and was a native of Norfolk.

Tommy graduated from Maury High School where he played football, basketball and baseball. His excellence in baseball propelled him into the minor league farm team for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He continued his baseball interests in the Chesapeake Athletic Club and the Norfolk City Leagues. Tommy also utilized his athletic ability to foster young athletic dreams as a Little League basketball and football coach.

In addition to his involvement in community sports, he was also a member of Larchmont United Methodist Church and the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club.

At the end of his life, Tommy was an employee of Tycon Medical where he met individuals that helped him complete his last days with a smile. The most important aspect of Tommy's life was his family, which he loved unconditionally and supported without hesitation.

He was predeceased by his two loving sons, T. Wayne Gates and Charles "Chuck" L. Gates. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Eugenia W. Gates; daughter, Patricia and her husband William Jones; sister, Coral Lee and her husband Gerald Foster; brother-in-law, Jimmy Willis and his wife Connie; aunt, Dot Odom; grandchildren, Kellie and David Putnam, Jason Gates, Tiffany and Weston Gates, Ryan Jones, Thomas Gates, Brandon Gates, Lauren Gates and Kellyn Hendricks; great-grandchildren, Maddison Gates and Thomas Gates.

A church service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Larchmont United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Larchmont Methodist United Church, 1101 Jamestown Crescent, Norfolk, VA 23508. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel, is handling arrangements.

Online condolences may be offered to the family through www.hdoliver.com.