Obituary of James Arthur Gates

WINTER HAVEN - James Arthur Gates of Winter Haven, passed away Thursday, May, 30, 2013 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center from respiratory failure. He was 75. A native of Vincent, Alabama, born, October 21, 1937, James has lived in this area most of his life. He was a retired Maintenance Mechanic from Citrus World (formerly Donald Duck Citrus). James was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Barbara. He is survived by his children: Ricky Gates of Auburndale; Sandra (Donell) Parrish of Lakeland; Tony (Brenda) Gates of Bartow; Brenda (Ronnie) Holley of Polk City; and Terry Gates of Orlando. He also is survived by his brother Billy Gates of Alabama; and 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1 to 2 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park. Condolences to the family can be sent to: www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.