Rev. Samuel E. Gates Sr.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth." Romans 1:16. Rev. Samuel E. "Bro. Sammy" Gates Sr., age 75, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, October 21, 2011. He was born September 25, 1936, in Ingleside, KY, to Jewel and Mary Lelia Gates. Bro. Sam was an extraordinary man with great accomplishments in education, athletics, music and most importantly his ministry. He attended Tillman High School in Paducah, KY where he excelled in baseball and basketball. During this time he served as music director at Southland Baptist Temple under the ministry of his brother-in-law, Rev. Harold Council. After being offered a contract with the Cleveland Indians and the opportunity to play at the collegiate level through numerous scholarships, he would choose to follow God's calling to the ministry and accept an offer that would allow him to continue to play basketball in Chattanooga, TN at Tennessee Temple University. Rev. Gates would soon be offered a position to not only play, but coach basketball at Toccoa Falls College and High School where he would finish out his sports career and graduate to pursue his calling to the music ministry. His ministry began at Wilson Avenue Baptist Church in 1960 where he served as music minister and youth pastor for seven years. He then was called to Perry Hill Road Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL. While serving there he felt God's call to preach the Word and soon therafter was called to return to Wilson Avenue to preach his first sermon as pastor on February 11, 1968. His ministry at Wilson Avenue alone would span over 51 years, with 43 years as pastor. Bro. Sam was married to Darla Maxine Batchelor, daughter of the late C.O. and Nora Lou Batchelor, on March 14, 1958 in Macon GA. Rev. and Mrs. Gates were married for 53 years and had three children Debbie, Bud and Lori.

During his time as pastor, Bro. Sam, would preach over 7,500 messages, see more than 3,000 people come to know Christ and baptize over 2,200. As a direct result of his ministry more than 110 individuals would be called to follow in full time Christian service while Wilson Avenue would see a missions outreach program grow to support more than 80 missionary families in over 50 countries worldwide. From 1974 to 1982 he led a daily radio broadcast titled "The Gospel Truth" that could be heard throughout the tri-state area. During his time as pastor, Wilson Avenue Baptist Church would have two locations beginning in Prichard and moving to its current location near Celeste Rd in Saraland. Rev. Gates loved the Lord with all of his heart and worked his best to express that love for Christ to his community and church family. He was so much more than a preacher to his church. He was a true pastor and friend. He counted it a great joy to visit hospitals and homes and be there at every stage of life for his church family. Rev. Gates is survived by his wife, Darla Maxine Batchelor Gates; children, Deborah Lynne (Keith) Coleman and Samuel "Bud" Egbert (Tammy) Gates, Jr.; grandchildren, Josh Randall (Carmen) Coleman, Kacie Lynne Coleman, Candice Elaine (Chris) Hanks, Samuel Egbert Gates III, Carlie Elizabeth Mayo, Kevin Randall Mayo Jr.; great-grandchildren, Parker Hanks and Davis Hanks; Sisters, Hannah "Sue" (Rev. Harold) Council and Robbie Gail (Bill) Griffin, Brother in law Tom (Roz) Batchelor and many nieces and nephews. Rev. Gates was preceded in death by his father, William J. Gates; mother, Mary Lelia; brother, "Bobby" Joe; sister, Mary Jeanelle "Noonie" and daughter, Lori Elizabeth Gates Mayo. A memorial visitation was held at Wilson Ave. Baptist Church on Monday October 24, 2011. Funeral services will be held today, Tuesday, October 25, 2011 with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary. Officiating the service will be Rev. Harold Council, Rev. George Williams and Rev. Darron Moncus. Pallbearers will be Samuel "Bud" E. Gates, Jr., Samuel E. Gates III, Keith R. Coleman, Josh R. Coleman, Kevin R. Mayo and Kevin R. Mayo Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons and trustees of the church.Graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery following the funeral service on Tuesday October 25, 2011. Memorial funds in honor of his dedication and service will be established for Wilson Ave. Baptist Youth Camp and Missions Fund and can be sent to Wilson Ave. Baptist Church. "Let your life so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in Heaven" Matthew 5:16.