Welcome to the memorial page for
William Brian Gates
January 21, 1954 ~ February 25, 2017 (age 63) 63 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
Message from David Scott and Family
May 3, 2017 10:34 PM
Matt, I always enjoyed talking with your dad when you guys were playing high school football at FWBH. Our condolences to you and your family.
A candle was lit by David and Angie Scott
on May 3, 2017 10:21 PM
A candle was lit by Shelly jamison
on April 17, 2017 4:16 PM
Message from Barb Koppenhaver Dissinger
March 7, 2017 12:26 AM
Elaine, I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Let God comfort and sustain you.
Message from Patti
March 5, 2017 12:21 PM
My deepest sympathy to all of Bills family during this difficult time. So enjoyed seeing Matt grow into a lovely young man and his beautiful family. Know Bill will be missed by many. Prayers to all
Patti ~ your dental hygienist of many years
Patti ~ your dental hygienist of many years
Message from Jules Dubuisson
March 3, 2017 10:00 PM
Fond memories working with Bill at Metric Systems.
A candle was lit by Suzan Statham
on March 2, 2017 12:57 PM
Message from Helen Phillips
March 1, 2017 5:15 PM
Elaine, Matt, Aunt Mary, Bob, Kim, Michael, Kathleen and the entire Gates family. I pray that The Comforter, the Holy Spirit of God, keeps you close to the Lord at this time. Bill was always a gentleman, so considerate of his dad's needs. I always enjoyed his awesome sense of humor and love for his family. Hard to understand that his life is gone too soon.
I regret that I am prevented from attending Bill's memorial and expressing my heart felt condolences to you as it is difficult to express all that is in my heart for each of you personally. I will be praying for you during the days ahead. Know that the love of many goes out to you at this time.
I regret that I am prevented from attending Bill's memorial and expressing my heart felt condolences to you as it is difficult to express all that is in my heart for each of you personally. I will be praying for you during the days ahead. Know that the love of many goes out to you at this time.
A candle was lit by Jerry Sexton
on March 1, 2017 2:35 PM
A candle was lit by Claire Frigon
on March 1, 2017 2:05 PM
Message from Tuula and John Westra.
March 1, 2017 1:51 PM
So sorry our nice neighbor is gone..
Tuula and John.
Tuula and John.
Message from Robert Carl
March 1, 2017 12:04 PM
I am sorry for your loss. We worked at Metric Systems/DRS.
A candle was lit by Robert Carl
on March 1, 2017 12:02 PM
A candle was lit by Dave Stover
on March 1, 2017 7:43 AM
A candle was lit by Alan & Sherry Hook
on March 1, 2017 5:26 AM
A TABLE MEMORIAL WITH TRINITY OF CANDLES was sent by Granpa Gator's grandchildren : Carter, Haven & Easton Gates on March 1, 2017
Message from Craig Knox
February 28, 2017 9:54 PM
My condolences to all of Bill's family. I share your loss.
I was privileged to have Bill as a friend. We met at FWB High School in 1970 during football (6th period) class. He warmly greeted me on my first day in class.
We became very good friends at UF in Gainesville. He was my roommate for three years. We studied hard and partied hard. Very hard.
I love, and miss, Bill's incredible zeal in pursuit of a cause or activity that captured his attention. He possessed a rare, benevolent "Type A" personality that, more often than not, made you want spend time with him. And laugh with him. It was fun.
Love ya, Bill
I was privileged to have Bill as a friend. We met at FWB High School in 1970 during football (6th period) class. He warmly greeted me on my first day in class.
We became very good friends at UF in Gainesville. He was my roommate for three years. We studied hard and partied hard. Very hard.
I love, and miss, Bill's incredible zeal in pursuit of a cause or activity that captured his attention. He possessed a rare, benevolent "Type A" personality that, more often than not, made you want spend time with him. And laugh with him. It was fun.
Love ya, Bill
A MOUNTAIN MEADOW PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent by Ray and Linda Thompson on February 28, 2017
A candle was lit by John and Phyllis Williams
on February 28, 2017 9:09 PM
A candle was lit by Craig and Cam Knox
on February 28, 2017 9:07 PM
Message from Fort Walton Beach
February 28, 2017 9:02 PM
John and I are so very sorry to hear about Bill's passing. Always a wonderful neighbor.
A candle was lit by Ray & Linda Thompson
on February 28, 2017 8:59 PM
A candle was lit by Robbie Shade
on February 28, 2017 8:39 PM
A candle was lit by Eddie Sheets
on February 28, 2017 8:08 PM
A candle was lit by Dana Sheets Quinlan
on February 28, 2017 8:07 PM
A candle was lit by Phil Irby
on February 28, 2017 5:43 PM
A candle was lit by Lynda Hooper
on February 28, 2017 3:42 PM
Message from Caroline & Jim Pepa
February 28, 2017 1:04 PM
Our deepest sympathy to the Gates family. We worked with Bill often over the years, first at TSS/Chromalloy and later at Metric/DRS.
A candle was lit by Susan (Gates) Howze
on February 28, 2017 12:56 PM
A candle was lit by Carol McRedmond (Gammy)
on February 28, 2017 8:47 AM
A candle was lit by Pamela Mischler-Miller
on February 28, 2017 8:30 AM
Message from Jan Clements Shaffer
February 28, 2017 7:28 AM
Matt, Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Your dad is now in heaven with Rick enjoying a beer together! Love and prayers, Jan Clements Shaffer
A candle was lit by Jan Clements Shaffer
on February 28, 2017 7:26 AM
A candle was lit by Debby Khoulban
on February 28, 2017 6:31 AM
A candle was lit by Cathy Zuccaro Wookey
on February 28, 2017 12:24 AM
A candle was lit by Gene H Webb , Jr and Family
on February 28, 2017 12:01 AM
A candle was lit by Linda Wheeler
on February 27, 2017 11:19 PM
A candle was lit by Marsha McCoskrie
on February 27, 2017 10:25 PM
A candle was lit by Don Burdette
on February 27, 2017 10:17 PM
A candle was lit by Carol shepherd schoolcraft
on February 27, 2017 8:44 PM
Message from Warren Family
February 27, 2017 8:30 PM
I am very sorry for your loss; Condolences to you and your family. I look forward to the time when "death is swallowed up forever." (1 Corinthians 15:54) When one of my family members passed away, I looked to my family for comfort, but most importantly, I received comfort from God's Word the Bible. Jesus likened death to sleeping. This is encouraging because people can be awakened from sleep. The Bible gives us hope of a resurrection. In Revelation 21:4, God promises, "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." I look forward to that time and it helps me get by. I hope it is encouraging to you too. If you are interested in more encouragement from the scriptures, I invite you to go to www.JW.org.
A candle was lit by Kelly Cline Turner and family🙏🏼
on February 27, 2017 7:47 PM
A candle was lit by Paula Bogan Hudson
on February 27, 2017 7:04 PM
Message from Connie Myers
February 27, 2017 7:02 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I remember him as such a humorous jokester in high school, just always so funny. Rest in Peace Bill, and God Bless his family.
A candle was lit by Denise Cockerill Hayden Bir
on February 27, 2017 7:00 PM
A candle was lit by Susie Jans-Thomas
on February 27, 2017 6:56 PM
A candle was lit by Randy Hare
on February 27, 2017 6:21 PM
A candle was lit by Ron and Tricia Hock
on February 27, 2017 6:19 PM
Message from Billy Mikel
February 27, 2017 6:11 PM
We all will miss big Bill. That what we called him in the golf group. May God Bless the family he will always be in my heart.
Message from Billy Mikel
February 27, 2017 6:04 PM
I will miss big Bill who our golf gang called him. He was a great friend and some one you always count on. May God Bless his family. He always loved those Gators
A candle was lit by Nancy Helton-Estep
on February 27, 2017 6:04 PM
Message from Jeff Chapman
February 27, 2017 6:00 PM
Bill, so sorry to see you go soon in life. I enjoyed working for you. Rest in peace, and may God grant your family the grace, peace, and strength to see them through this time. of grief. You will be sorely missed by many!!
Message from Marie Ceravolo Currie
February 27, 2017 5:46 PM
My heart breaks for Bill's family. What a special guy. Many fond memories from FWBHS and trips to U F. Many prayers for all who loved him.
A candle was lit by Marie Ceravolo Currie.
on February 27, 2017 5:40 PM
Message from Herman Stukes Jr.
February 27, 2017 5:26 PM
My Condolences to the Family! Pryor and Fort Walton Beach High School!
A candle was lit by Herman Stukes Jr.
on February 27, 2017 5:20 PM
A candle was lit by Nancy Messina and Family
on February 27, 2017 5:17 PM
A candle was lit by Renee Propps Bpye6
on February 27, 2017 5:08 PM
A candle was lit by karen mclaughlin
on February 27, 2017 4:58 PM
Message from Jack Pranzarone
February 27, 2017 4:52 PM
I am so sorry and sad to hear this terrible news about Bill. I have known Bill since high school and we graduated the same year. We had so much fun in those years during high school and college. I will miss him. I though he would always be here. I don't know what to say...
A candle was lit by Denise Song
on February 27, 2017 4:51 PM
A candle was lit by Jack Pranzarone
on February 27, 2017 4:42 PM
A candle was lit by Sandy McCoskrie Blanchette
on February 27, 2017 4:22 PM
A candle was lit by Pamela Sumrall Browning
on February 27, 2017 4:17 PM
Message from Nancy Hale
February 27, 2017 2:23 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss.
A candle was lit by Linda Ezell Copenhaver
on February 27, 2017 2:03 PM
Message from Melanie Klauss
February 27, 2017 1:50 PM
Saddened by this news...my prayers are with yoou for comfort and healing hearts...Bill will sorely be missed!
A candle was lit by Michele Ceravolo Thomas
on February 27, 2017 1:40 PM
A candle was lit by Rick & Diana Whitfield
on February 27, 2017 1:02 PM
A candle was lit by Debbie Bourque Bruce
on February 27, 2017 12:53 PM
A candle was lit by Gil H. Ballmes
on February 27, 2017 12:43 PM
Message from Janet Hagen
February 27, 2017 12:40 PM
There aren't enough words to convey how saddened I am for Elaine and Bill's families at this news. 63 is just too young to die. I never met Bill, but thoroughly enjoyed the many pictures and posts about his life with his beautiful wife Elaine. He was handsome and he had a wonderful smile. I'm grateful to have learned more about him through this honoring obituary. Elaine, I'm sending you a big hug. I know the Lord Jesus is with you today and always. I pray that you will feel His comforting arms around you and know that His grace is helping you to put one foot in front of the other. ❤
A candle was lit by Cindy Conway Kaluss
on February 27, 2017 12:07 PM
A candle was lit by Lynn Worley
on February 27, 2017 12:04 PM
Message from Marty Campbell
February 27, 2017 11:57 AM
We go back before high school,You have ALWAYS been a Dear FRIEND.Tell the Col. I think of him often.GOD bless your family.
A candle was lit by Marty Campbell
on February 27, 2017 11:53 AM
Message from David Williams
February 27, 2017 11:42 AM
My condolences to Bill's family, I played football with Bill at FWBHS and in the 90's I was an outside sales rep and called on Bill when I came in to town. Always gave me the time. Blessings and Prayers to his family.
A candle was lit by David Williams
on February 27, 2017 11:36 AM
Message from Jerry Sexton
February 27, 2017 11:18 AM
I went to high school with Bill and remember him laughing and making those around him laugh for hours. Our first year at FWBHS we were doing two a days at some old barracks out at Eglin AFB and we stayed out there all day. I got to know Bill really well during those times. When I saw him at the last reunion, we were again laughing like old times. And yes I went to FSU and he went to UF and I got many a beer poured on me when they would jump up to cheer and FSU blew it again (pre Bowden era). I remember numerous times partying all night before the game and then partying after. I only have kind thoughts of him and will really miss his laughter. Best to you Bill and my prayers are with your family. Will have a toast in your memory.
Message from Emerald Coast Funeral Home
February 27, 2017 10:18 AM
The Staff of Emerald Coast Funeral Home would like to express our sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. William Brian Gates.
A candle was lit by Emerald Coast Funeral Home
on February 27, 2017 10:17 AM
