WEST POINT — Samuel Lee Gates, 72, died Nov. 29, 2025, at Baptist Hospital in Jackson.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Sunday, at Concord M.B. Church, with Cynthia Gates officiating. Burial followed at Concord Cemetery. Visitation was from 4-5 p.m. Saturday at Carter’s Mortuary Services Chapel. Carter’s Mortuary Services of West Point was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Gates was born March 12, 1953, in Aberdeen, to the late Willie B. Johnson and Lillie M. Gates. He was formerly employed as a service manager.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Anthony Gates and James Gates.

He is survived by his children, Terry Lackey, Travis Kennedy, Shyrone Berry, Samuel Gates Jr., Zion Gates, Amber Collins, Kathleen Gause, Sharesha Gates and Samika Gates; siblings, Gene Gates, Orlands Gates, Michael Gates, Brenda Gates, Cynthia Gates, Estella Patterson and Gustoria Gates; and a host of grandchildren.