Thomas Walker Gates

Thomas Walker Gates, 91, of Colonial Heights, VA, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Beverly and Florene Walker Gates, Jr., a brother, Robert Bruce Gates, and an infant granddaughter, Leighton Elyse Dillard. He is survived by daughters Melissa (Keith) Oliver of Carson, and Melody (Rob) Dillard of South Chesterfield; grandchildren Alyson Beacham, Caleb Dillard and Avery Dillard and his brother, William Beverly Gates, III of Colonial Heights and many nieces and nephews.  He graduated from Petersburg High School in 1950 and joined the family working as a milkman for Quality Dairy. In 1953, he served as a photographer while in the U.S. Army and eventually building and running Gates Foodland in Petersburg, VA. Throughout his life, Tom had a love for antiques, often traveling across the country attending large national antique shows. He enjoyed interacting with people and in his later years became very involved with the Coca-Cola Collectors Club, buying and selling commemorative bottles and other collectibles.  Tom accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age and lived his life as a testament to his faith. He was a man of strong integrity, setting a godly example and acting as a father figure to his nieces, nephews, young men that worked for him, as well as many of his daughter’s friends. But most importantly, he was the best dad to Missy and Melody. He truly exemplified a Father’s love in every way. His true legacy was laying a strong spiritual foundation by loving unconditionally, guiding and encouraging with godly wisdom, quick to forgive, never too busy to help someone in need and generous to a fault. He was loved by many and will be missed beyond measure. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 20, 2025, in the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA, 23834. Interment will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Park, 2901 W Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23831. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on, at the funeral home. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.