Joe Willie Gates, 83, passed away with his loving and devoted wife Shirley Gates by his side. He was born on June 25, 1941, in Hughes, Arkansas to the loving union of Herman Gates Sr. and Bertha Gates.

Joe Willie was known for his generous heart and his willingness to help anyone in need. He was a true risk-taker with a courageous spirit that lived life with bold determination. He was an old-school man who believed in strong leadership and carried himself with wisdom, grit, and integrity. He had a deep love for his family, the seasonal corn farm at Szalay's, and a good meal, the man loved food! His legacy of hard work, kindness, and adventure will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

First working at Harry Miller Construction Company and then retiring from Lockhart Construction Company in 2006, he stayed active working for the City of Akron as a Snowplow Operator, a job that kept him engaged and on the move until January of 2025.

Joe was preceded in death by parents Herman Carter Gates Sr. and Bertha O. Gates; brothers, Herman Gates Jr., Harold Gates, James, Walter, and George Aldriedge; sister, Louise Driskell, and stepson Terrence Rogers.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Shirley Gates; his daughter, Wayetta (Chauncy) Beard; niece, Patrice Brooks; step-daughter, Twylah Rogers; granddaughters, Kisa L. Bradley (Eddie), and Kristie C. Beard; grandson, Keith L. Bradley Sr.; great grandsons, Keith L. Bradley Jr., Edion White, and Josiah Bradley; great granddaughters, Cameren Taylor and Kayla Maddox; two great-great-grandchildren; six beloved step-grandchildren; sisters Easter (Leeman) Brown of West Memphis, Arkansas, Erma (Richard) Thomas of Alabaster, Alabama; brothers, Earnest (Callie) Gates of Columbus, Ohio, Dr. L.T. (Emma) Gates of Carmel, Indiana, Dr. Johnny Gates of Dallas, Texas, Ervin (Thelma) Gates of West Memphis, Arkansas, Harvey (Sharon) Gates of Columbus, Ohio, and Michael (Shaundricka) Gates of Cordova, Tennessee; special cousin Lois McWright of West Memphis, Arkansas; brothers in-law, Derrick Rogers and Eric Rogers, both of Akron, Ohio, the Brooks family, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.