Charles Ray Gates, age 67, of Ward, passed away Dec. 25, 2010. He was born April 8, 1943 in Matthews, Mo., to the late Ernest and Hazel Gates. He is survived by his wife Kathie Karol Boozer Gates of the home; five children Anthony Wade Gates (Karri) of Nashville, Tenn., James Lester Gates (Melissa) of South Dakota, Marsha Ann DeHart of Magnolia, Ark., Andrew Jackson Jr. (Kelly) of Clinton, Ark., and Peggy Ann Thomas of Butlerville, Ark.; four sisters Marry Sue Rickman (Tom) of Kennett, Mo., Melba Sue Edwards (Fred) of Dexter, Mo., Brenda Wilson (David) of Bloomfield, Mo., and Eunice Gentry (Bobby) of New Madrid, Mo.; one brother Kenneth Gates of Waynesville, Mo.; 15 grandchildren and many other family members and friends. Visitation will be held 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010 at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010 at Victory Baptist Church in Cabot with interment at Butlerville Cemetery. To send online condolences visit www.thomasfuneralservice.com. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot (501)941-7888.

Published December 27, 2010