Alvin Arthur Gates

Alvin Arthur Gates, 85, went to sleep in Durham and woke in heaven on Friday, December 10, 2021. Alvin was born September 14, 1936, in a cabin in Cana, VA. He attended a two-room school for his formative years and then graduated from Carroll County High School. After graduation, Alvin joined and served honorably in the United States Army. While serving, he met the love of his life, Janice Luwanna Richey Gates, and they married in 1960. Alvin was called into the ministry, attended Clear Creek Bible School, and finished his degree at the University of the Cumberlands. He pastored churches in Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee before retirement. In his retirement years, he enjoyed beekeeping, playing Santa Claus in Granville and Durham counties, fishing, and storytelling. He was a blessing to everyone who knew him. Alvin was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Richey Gates; his parents, Clisba Silas Gates and Lillian Iowa Easter Christian; and his brother, Charles Gates. He leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Jean Gates; his daughters, Kimberly Farr and Tammy Gates Agdeppa; five grandchildren, Aaron Smith, Alex Agdeppa, Bethany Farr, Heidi Gould, and Michelle Young; and two great-grandchildren, Lucy Gould and Jackson Young. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Elder Lacy and Catherine Gates; a sister, Verlea Easter; and many nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with Paul Gates and the Rev. Tony Boss officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Flower Gap Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1:00 until 2:00 PM at the funeral home.