Cecil E. Gatewood

Cecil E. Gatewood, 54, of Smackover left us to meet his heavenly father on October 30, 2013 as a result of a tragic accident. He was born May 31, 1959 to James E. Gatewood and Willie Marie Finley. Cecil served 25 plus years as a volunteer fireman in the communities he lived including, McAlmont, Lake Village, Sheridan and Louann Fire Department, he served on the Water and Fowl Commission and the Chamber of Commerce. The fire department, the friendships he made, and the people he served were a big part of who he was. Cecil lived life large giving his all to his many interest whether it be, driving stock cars, cheering NASCAR at Talledega, hunting, fishing, boating, camping, traveling, calling the hogs with his family and friends. Wherever he was there was a party. He was working as the manager for Exxon when he was recruited by Snap On Tools. He had a successful career with them, retiring in January 2013 and then moved on to manager of Car-Mart. He will most certainly be missed. He is preceded in death by his mother, Willie Marie Finley, his grandparents, William H and Stella Mae Williams; James E Gatewood and Stella Irene Gatewood Lewis. Cecil is survived by his wife Kari Ontis Gatewood, their three sons; Rhett, Alec and Jeb, his children; Tiphanie and Andrew Gatewood, Cheri Hines (Robert), grandsons; Grey and Niko, his siblings; Teresa Garrison (Donnie), Cinda Haralson (Herman), James and Terry Gatewood and his father James E Gatewood and a host of family and friends. A celebration of his life will be held Friday, November 8, 2013 at 10 a.m. at Perry's Funeral Chapels. Online registry at www.perrysfuneralchapels.com.