Gates, Paul Joseph

Darlington- Paul Joseph Gates age 69, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2011. Born March 2, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan he was the son of the late James O. and Elizabeth Marie Thompson Gates, but he was raised in Sardis, S.C. Paul made his living as a truck driver, driving for Builders Transport, Mercury Motor Express and Agri Supply. Paul also worked as a service manager at Good Year in Darlington. He was retired from SCDOT in Florence. He was a member of South Side Free Will Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife of 27 years, Wanda Douglas Gates of Darlington, his children, Phillip A. (Linda) Gates, of Florence, Libby (Jimmy) Trimnal, of Camden, Paula (Ronnie) Knight , of Camden, David Gates, of Atlanta, GA., Maria Grace Gates, of Florence; grandchildren, Jennifer, Andy, Katie, Benjamin; a great grandchild, Lexi; a special cousin, H.C. Humphrey; and special friends, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Holmes, Gayle Gates, and Beverly Gates. He was preceded in death by two children, Beverly Gates and Paul Gates, Jr. The family will receive friends after the service, or at the home, 1715 Candy Ln, Florence. A Memorial service will be 2:30 P.M. Wednesday, March 23 at South Side Free Will Baptist Church directed by Belk Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the charity of one‘s choice.