Raymond C. Gates

Raymond C. Gates, Jr., 56, of Ooltewah, TN and Bunnell, FL passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Parkridge East Hospital in Chattanooga, TN after losing his battle to COVID under the care of Hospice of Chattanooga.

Ray was born in Long Beach, California on October 28, 1964, to Raymond C. Gates Sr. and Mary E. Smith.

On June 8, 1984, he graduated from Green Run High School in Virginia Beach, VA. At that time, he was also working at K-Mart. A few years later he decided to move to Florida with his mom, stepdad, and siblings. When Ray moved to Florida he had transferred from the K-Mart in Virginia Beach to the K-Mart in Daytona Beach, Fl. After working there for 10 years he wanted to be closer to home in the Palm Coast/Bunnell area; and had gotten a job at Old Kings Elementary School as a custodian, Maintenance Man and did their lawn care. After many years of working at the school; Ray thought it was time for a new adventure and started his own lawn care business “Ray’s Lawn Care”. Ray was very successful, and his customers loved him. Ray was very meticulous with anything he did, and that is what made him so successful. There was no job too big or small that he would not tackle.

He is preceded in death by his father Raymond C. Gates, Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Campbell of Ooltewah, TN; mother, Mary E. Mummert (Robert D.) of Palm Coast, FL; sisters Mary Ellen Stevens (Jake) of Bunnell, FL; brother, David W. Gates (Jessica) of Middleburg FL; sister, Dianne Robinson of GA; sister, Evelyn Bruce of OK; brother Robert Mummert, Jr. of OK; brothers, Jason and Mark Drapeau of Providence, RI; daughter, Marissa Torres (Joseph) of Bunnell FL; daughters, Jenna and Savannah Gates of Palm Coast, daughter, Sarah Horvath (Derrick) of Ooltewah TN; son, Aaron Campbell of Ooltewah, TN; grandchildren, Connor and Brooklynn, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ray was a big-hearted man. He never saw a stranger and he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Ray loved fishing, gambling in Biloxi, and playing pool. He is a member of Flagler County BCA pool league. Ray would sub in 9 ball when he would come back to Florida. He loved to tinker with lawn mowers and do woodworking. He had such talented hands. Ray’s great sense of humor and witty one line come backs kept us laughing and on our toes.

Ray was a loving husband, brother and father and will be greatly missed.

There will be a celebration of life for Ray on October 23, 2021, at the Grace Tabernacle Ministry 2323 North State Street, Unit 3, Palm Coast, FL, at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, family is asking that donations be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive Building 2, Chattanooga, TN. 37416.