Donald Ray "Donny" Gates

Donald "Donny" Ray Gates age 58 of Athens passed away Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at Sweetwater Hospital, after a lengthy battle with cancer. A native and lifetime resident of McMinn County, he was a member of East Niota Baptist Church. He was retired and had worked at Athens Utility  Board and  as a surveyor for many years. He was an avid sportsman and loved to fish and hunt. He liked to sing solos and help in the choir at church. He was preceded in death by his father Ben Gates and nephew Randy Gates. 
Survivors 
Wife of  30 years, Sharon Gates of Athens
One son, Riley Gates of Athens.
Mother, Geneva Gates of Athens
Brothers and sisters-in-law;
Ralph and Bobbie Ann  Gates of Athens
Larry and Barbara Gates of Niota
Sister-in-law Gloria Whitener of Etowah
Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Robin Hayes of Etowah 
Brother-in-law and sister-in-law; James and Jeanette Whitener of Etowah
Nieces and Nephews; Michael Gates, Chris and Valerie Nolan, Hannah and Scott Davison. Several great nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and faculty at Sweetwater Hospital for their wonderful care.
Funeral services will be 6 pmThursday, October 25, 2018  in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Jerry Plaster and Rev. Jack Hearron officiating. The graveside will be 11:00 am Friday, October 26, 2018 at McMinn Memory Gardens. The pallbearers will be Robin Hayes, James Whitener, Michael Gates, Chris Nolan, Dickie Slack and Buford Baxter The family will receive friends from 4-6 pm before the service at the funeral home. Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycockhobbs,com/notices/Donald-Gates Laycock -Hobbs Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.