Mr. Michael Dewayne Solomon Gates was born on April 21, 1993 to the parents of Mrs. Jessica Stinson Tigner and the late Mr. Dewayne Gates in Fort Polk, LA. He was raised by loving and caring parents. His father named him, and he was destined to be wise with wisdom and greatness. His aunt, Tessica, also played a significant role in his rearing.
Michael attended elementary school at Vardaman Elementary School in Mississippi, and he attended high school at Bruce High School, also in Mississippi. He was very smart and was an honor student who was inducted into the National Honor Society. Out of five schools in the Mississippi area, he scored the highest in math. When his family transitioned to Thomaston, GA, he began attending school in the Thomaston-Upson County School System. He graduated from Upson-Lee High School with the class of 2011. After high school, he attended Savannah State College and Southern Crescent Technical College. Michael was employed by Hoshizaki America as a Staff Technician. He owned his own business, Million Marathon Lawn Care service. Michael was a hard worker, and a go-getter. When he set goals for himself, he worked very hard and diligent at achieving them; and he encouraged others to do the same. He was always neat and organized.
During his leisure time, Michael enjoyed riding his four-wheeler and his motorcycle. He enjoyed working as a mechanic, which he got from his father. He loved cars, love to travel and shop, and loved life in general. He loved his brother, Malachi, and his little dog "Henny." He was his brother's keeper. He was not selfish and would share all that he had. During the summer, he sent his brother and cousin to California on vacation. He paid for their flight and the entire vacation. He truly loved his family and would do anything to make them happy. On Wednesday, December 2, 2020, Michael’s earthly journey ended. His name was called on high; so, his spirit took flight and was returned to our Heavenly Father. His sudden departure has saddened the hearts of his family, but his memory will live on forever. Michael leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Mrs. Jessica (Allen) Tigner of Thomaston, GA; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Delores (Sanford) Montgomery of East Point, GA; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Icy Gates Terry of Chicago, IL; one son he helped to raise, Ma'Khi Smith of Thomaston, GA; one brother, Mr. Malachi Gates of Thomaston, GA; three cousins who were more like a sister and brothers, Ms. Jasmine Drake, Mr.Ishmael Searcy and Mr. Kaston Drake all of Thomaston, GA; aunts, Ms. Tessica Searcy of Thomaston, GA, Mrs. Keilani (James) Body of Riverdale, GA, Mrs. Rachel (Stephan) Parker of Chicago, IL and Mrs. Amy (Stevy) Carothers of Tupelo, MS; uncles, Mr. Calvin Gates of Columbus, OH, Mr. Kenny Hughes of Detroit, MI, Mr. Marcus (Shirley) Searcy of Jonesboro, GA, Mr. Terrell (Kendra) Stinson and Mr. Simpson (Kenya) Russell all of Thomaston, GA; a devoted friend, Ms. Mi'Aka Kendall of Thomaston, GA; and a host of great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, and other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
Graveside Services were held Saturday, December 12,2020 2:00 P.M. Southview Cemetery
/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/889/158311/ujnat8jol2mgakzvao4e.jpg)
