Ronnie Gates Sr (Wally) 60, was born on October 26, 1963, Atlanta, GA., to the late James J.C. and Jewel I. Gates. He received his education in the public schools of Fulton County, Booker T. Washington, High School, Atlanta GA.

At a very young age he became a member of Second Mount Olive Baptist Church, Atlanta GA., under the leadership of the late Rev. Johnny L. Jones, and later in life he became a member of Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor A.J. Saunders where he and his family recommitted their lives to God on October 9, 2022. He served as a faithful member until his transition on January 17, 2024.

Ronnie was like a ray of sunshine whenever he entered a room. He will make you laugh and smile. His energy was so positive, even on days he didn’t feel his best. He loved everyone he met and everybody loved him. He never met a stranger. Ronnie was a true reflection of a family man, a provider and a protector.

For more than thirty years Ronnie worked as a long haul driver and was known in the trucking community as MAJIK. He would often say when his truck hit that black pavement it’s like Majik baby!!

Ronnie was joined in Holy Matrimony to his dedicated and loving wife Mrs. Zena S. Gates on April 24, 2015, of almost nine years. He was preceded in death by his father and mother James J.C. and Jewell I. Gates and a son Edmond Irvin.

He leaves behind loving memories to be cherished by his beloved wife, Zena S. Gates; three sons, James Stewart Jr. (Fredriqua) Loveland CO., Ronnie Gates Jr., Jacksonville FL., Demarcus T. McGruder III, Augusta GA.; two precious daughters, Iyanna N. Gates Atlanta GA., and Zaria C. McGruder, Augusta GA.; four siblings, Janice (Oscar) Pettigrew, Ellenwood GA., Terrina (Michael) Campbell, Douglasville GA., Jimmy (Lytricia) Gates, and James Gates Jr., both of Mableton GA.; two granddaughters, Zipporah Stewart and Raniya Gates; three grandsons, James Stewart III, Josiah Stewart and Elijah Irvin; a loving father and mother in-law Deacon Edward and Minister Christine Samuel, a loving father-in-law Deacon Elvis N. Reed and a loving sister-in-law Lakia C. Wallace; aunts, uncles and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

Funeral service will be10:00 AM, Saturday January 27, 2024, at Laura Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 122 Burning Bush Lane, Clarks Hill, SC. Public viewing Friday the 26th from 2 PM to 6 PM, at Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home, 3618 Peach Orchard Road. (706) 790-8858