Wayne Melton Gates' Obituary
Wayne Melton Gates, 81 formerly of Garland, TX passed away on February 20, 2022, in Rockwall, TX
after a long illness. Wayne was born in Lufkin, TX in 1940 to Eugene Valentine & Yedell Gates. He was
raised in the Piney Woods town of Hemphill, TX & later the Dallas, TX area. Wayne was always mindful
of his humble beginnings. Early on he worked as a welder. Later, he went to work for a Dallas based C B
Air Conditioning working his way into management. Wayne & wife Jennie, started Gates Heating & Air
Conditioning in Dallas in 1988. He retired in 2010.
Wayne loved baseball, classic cars & racing, dogs, hunting, spending time with family & friends, playing
dominoes. He was rarely seen without a cup of coffee (or cigarette).
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jennie Gates, of 43 years & his brother William
“Bill” Gates. He is survived by four children: daughter Tammy Gates of Heartland, TX; son & daughter in
law Joey & Cindy Gates of Santa Rosa Beach, FL: daughter & son in law, Amy & Brandon Rogers of Wylie,
TX; son, Jay of Lewisville, TX: two grandchildren& two great grandchildren, beloved nieces & many
friends.
A private celebration of life will be held at a family member’s home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be
made to the charity of your choice or Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation (https://www.tpwf.org/).
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