ERNEST GATES

MATTHEWS -- Ernest James Gates, 81, of Matthews was pronounced dead Thursday, Oct. 30, 1997, in Matthews.

He was born Feb. 29, 1916, in Milton, Tenn., son of J.W. and Sally McCoy Gates. He and Hazel Nance were married April 23, 1942, at New Madrid. She died May 10, 1958.

Gates was a retired farmer.

Survivors include three sons, Charles Gates of Cabot, Ark., Kenneth Gates of Morehouse, Walter Gates of Sikeston; four daughters, Sue Rickman of Kennett, Melba Edwards of Dexter, Brenda Wilson of Bloomfield, and Junnie Gentry of Sikeston.

He is also survived by five sisters, Lela Wilbanks of Walnut, Miss., Dela Bryant and Tressie Gates of Bolivar, Tenn., Bonnie Miles of Corinth, Miss., Fronie Brown of Bakersfield, Calif.; 33 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, three brothers, two sisters, and two great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Marvin Walters officiating. Burial will be in Matthews Cemetery.