Augusta, GA – Mr. James Ronald Gates, 75, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
Ron was born in Hampton, Virginia on May 27, 1946. He was a graduate of Virginia Tech University, and his career included positions with Texaco, Columbia Nitrogen, Saudi Aramco and DSM Chemicals. Ron was a member and elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church and sang in the church choir. He also served for a number of years on the Board of Trustees for Westminster Schools of Augusta. Ron was regularly involved in Bible studies, a weekly men’s prayer group, and occasional mission trips. Golf, yard work and watching baseball were some of his favorite hobbies. He loved a good story and enjoyed puns and corny “dad jokes.” Most of all, Ron cherished any opportunity to spend time with his children and grandchildren.
Surviving Ron are his wife Connie, five children: Amy Russell (David), Cullen Rodgers-Gates (Mandy), Libby Daugherty (Patrick), Emily VanAtta (Andy) and Carrie Banta (Drew); 11 grandchildren: Abigail Russell, Hannah, Ethan and Caleb Rodgers-Gates, Madelyn and Oliver Daugherty, Jacob and Hudson VanAtta, Mckenzie, Josh and Sebastian Banta; sister Scheryl Upton, and many extended family members.
The family would like to thank Thrive at Augusta, Savannah River ProHome Care and Regency Hospice for their excellent care and love for Ron in his battle with Alzheimer’s.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Westminster Presbyterian Church (4303 Wheeler Rd., Augusta, GA 30907) with Rev. Mark Scholten officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M. until time of service at the church. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church Building Fund or Westminster Schools of Augusta (3067 Wheeler Rd., Augusta, GA 30909).
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at
www.thomaspoteet.com