Thomas Gates Obituary

Thomas Gates June 6, 1942- April 4, 2024

BURNSVILLE, NC - Thomas Dean Gates, 81, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 4, 2024. A resident of Burnsville, NC since 2009, he previously lived and worked in Charlotte. He was born in Surgoinsville, TN on June 6, 1942, and was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas George Gates and Thelma Harrell Gates.

Dean is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sandra Gates; daughter Tina Gates Brooks (Ron) of Charlotte; along with many extended family members and friends.

After graduating from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport, he attended Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After college, he joined the US Airforce where he served until 1967.

In Charlotte, Dean worked in sales, in real estate, and founded a construction company. He served as a member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission and worked with the Mecklenburg Historical Association. After moving to Burnsville, he was asked to revive the town's Planning Board to help prepare for future growth. He served as chair of that board until 2017 and volunteered in numerous other civic endeavors.

Visitation will be held at Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home in Burnsville on Monday, April 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. Graveside services with military honors will be held in Charlotte on Wednesday, April 17, at 1 p.m. at Forest Lawn West Cemetery at 4601 Freedom Drive.

Online condolences may be made at: holcombebrothersfuneralhome.com. Donations honoring his memory be made to Compassionate Care WNC, 856 Georges Fork Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714.