Mr. Paul Jonathan Gates, age 97 of Ellijay, passed away on Thursday, December 8 ^th , 2022 at the Copper Basin Life Care Center.

Mr. Gates was born on August 21 ^st , 1925 in Gilmer County to the late Andy F. Gates and Tamer Sumner Gates. Mr. Gates was employed by Lockeed Corporation for 30 years. He proudly served our nation in the United States Navy and was in World War II. Paul was a son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, veteran, and one of the most honorable and genuine man anyone could have met. Mr. Gates lived a wonderful life of 97 years and three months that will never be forgotten. While he will be missed, we know that he is with the angels.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Keener Gates; son, Tommy Gates, and grandson, Kevin Bryant.

Survivors include daughter, Jody Henry of Ellijay; sister, Alice Davis of Ellijay; 3 grandchildren, Jarrod Holmes, Neil Gary, and Elise Carrell; 9 great grandchildren; special niece, Debbie White, and caregiver, Mandy Nelson.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 10 ^th , 2022 at 2:00 p.m. from the Gates Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Larry Nalylor and daughter, Jody Henry officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers serving will be Jimmy Crump, Rex Davis, Chaston Carrell, Carl Hill Jr, Mason Cantrell, and Chris Newton.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 10 ^th , 2022 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gates Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund in care of Mrs. Evelyn Hammondtree at 5311 Gates Chapel Road Ellijay, GA, 30540. The family respectfully asks that no food be brought to the funeral home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is in charge of the arrangements.