Samuel Alton Gates, 71, of Batesville passed away October 30, 2015 in Batesville, AR. He was born April 30, 1944 in Austin, Indiana to Alton Stanley Gates and Ruby May Gates. His family moved from Phoenix, Arizona to Batesville, Arkansas in 1971. He was of the Baptist Faith and a member of Rehobeth Baptist Church. He joined the United States Marine Corp when he was 17 years old. He fought in the Vietnam War and was stationed overseas in Japan from 1961 to 1965. He was a construction worker for most of his life, he retired from M&A Jones after working for 15 years. Samuel cherished his family, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Some of his passions were traveling, camping, taking care of his furry four legged animals, and spending time with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 25 years, Pamela Sue Gates of Batesville, AR; two sons, Danny Gates and his wife, Stacie of Batesville, Chad Gates and his wife, Sheila of Sulphur Rock; two daughters, Jennifer Harrison and her husband Denver, of Beautix and Bobbie Edley, of Batesville; 16 Grandchildren and 21 Great-Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; and infant daughter, Tammy Gates; one brother, Charles Dewey Gates, and one daughter in law, Lilly Gates. Visitation Monday, November 2, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Willis Funeral Chapel. Service following at 6:00 P.M. with John Martin officiating. Arrangements made by Willis Funeral Services. www.wfsbatesville.com