Douglas (Bud) M. Gates

In Loving Memory of Douglas (Bud) M. Gates It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, uncle, and pawpaw. Douglas (Bud) Monroe Gates, passed on October 18, 2024 and joined his cherished family in the heavens. While we grieve his absence, we take solace in knowing he is now free from the constraints of his earthly body. Born on August 16, 1935, to Monroe Jamison and Mamie Gates, Bud was the eighth child and the first son in a family of 14. Of his siblings, 12 would grow to adulthood, each shaped by the love and resilience that characterized their upbringing. Bud is survived by his devoted wife, Priscilla Gates, and his loving children: Susan (George) Doyle, Stephen Gates, Travis (Suzie) Gates, Laurie Kennington, Michelle White, Jennifer Conrad, and Farrell Parks. He was a proud grandfather to Kristen Kennington, Bailey (Jon) Farill, Morgan (Bryant) Williams, Holly (Justin) Abel, Sierra (AJ) Hardesty, Geordan Doyle, Megan (Pieter) Hoets, Madison Doyle, and Wesley Conrad. His great-grandchildren, whom he affectionately referred to as his "knot heads," include Caden Smith, Kaelee Smith, Ellie Farill, Rayson Abel, Emi Hardesty, Camden Abel, and Bailey Kate Williams. He is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom cherished him as their Uncle Bud. Bud was preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly Gates, his parents, and his dear siblings, including Helen Morris, Virgie ( Vince) Roselli, Sue (Eddie) Nelson, Sylvia Enfinger, Iona (Victor) Quattrone, Katie (Leo) Bohanick, Dixie (Daniel) Welch, Patsy (Ed) Kuhar, Jean Ayers, Faye Rueff, and Ronnie Gates. Born in Pensacola, Bud later moved to California with his family as a teenager and graduated from Compton High School. He returned to Pensacola, where he met his first love, Beverly Lickliter. They married in 1956 and welcomed three children into their home. Following Beverly’s passing in 1981 after a courageous battle with cancer, Bud continued to raise their children alone, embodying strength and dedication. Bud served in the Army National Guard for two years and then embarked on a successful career as a machinist at NAS Pensacola, where he eventually became a planner and estimator. After retiring in his early fifties, he embraced his passions for fishing, hunting, golfing, and gardening, even embarking on memorable RV road trips to fish and hunt in the wilds of Alaska. An accomplished outdoorsman, Bud was also known for his exceptional dancing skills, particularly in country dance, which led him to meet his Priscilla. They married in 1989, blending their families and creating a new life filled with love. Together, they enjoyed many happy years of dancing, camping trips, cruises with family, and festive holiday gatherings. Bud was a pillar of calm in our lives, a source of unwavering support and kindness. His sweet and caring soul will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. Visitation begins 1:00 pm (Noon for family members) followed by funeral services at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 24th, 2024 at Faith Funeral Chapel North at 1000 N Hwy 29, Cantonment, Florida. Interment will follow at Whitmire Cemetery. Pallbearers are Geordan Doyle, George Doyle, Frankie Patti, Charlie Ayers, Bryant Williams, Will Smith and Caden Smith.

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Douglas (Bud) M. Gates

August 16, 1935 - October 18, 2024