William “Bill” Gates, age 63, passed away at his home on February 25,, 2017.

Bill was born in Fort Monroe, West Virginia, on January 21, 1954.  He was a member of the first graduating class of Fort Walton Beach High School in 1972.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida and Master’s Degree from Troy State University.

Bill spent his professional career working in the field of quality assurance.  He worked many years at Metric Systems, DRS, and most recently as the Director of Quality Assurance at Micro Systems Inc. Coworkers remember Bill as a genuine leader who was greatly respected.

Bill loved his Florida Gators, and was known to his grandkids as “Grandpa Gator”.  He enjoyed yardwork, boating, trips to Biloxi, and golfing.  He loved traveling and cooking with his wife, Lainie. Bill was a skilled craftsman and could build and repair anything. He had a love for Weimaraner dogs, and bred and raised three generations of Weimaraners.  Bill will be remembered for his fantastic sense of humor and the pride he took in everything he did. His presence will be missed at his favorite gathering spot, Buffalos Reef. 

He is survived by his wife, Elaine “Lainie”, his son Matt and wife, Talia, step-daughter Carly and husband, Todd Harrell, and step-son David Orr.  Bill also leaves many beloved grandchildren – Carter Joyce, Haven Grace, and Easton Nolan Gates, and Brody Lee, Wade Aubrey, and Jack David Harrell.  Bill is also survived by his Aunt Mary Gates, and four siblings, Bob Gates (Linda), Michael Gates (Cindy), Kim Gates Keeler (Jim), and Kathy Gates Ard (Rob).  Bill was uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bill is also survived by his Maine Coon cats, Ziggy and Bogart.

Bill is preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert W. and Helen Gates.

Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Rd NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL, is in charge of arrangements.  A visitation will be held at 4:00, with the memorial service at 5:00 pm, on Wednesday, March 1st.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at aspca.org.

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