Rudy Carroll Gates
Jan 29, 1949 - Apr 7th, 2023- Birth Date: Jan 29, 1949
- Death Date: Apr 7, 2023
- Funeral Date: Apr 13, 2023, 1:30 pm
- Location: Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church, Little Rock AR, 72205
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Biography:
Rudy Carroll Gates, 74, passed away April 7, 2023 with his family at his side at Circle of Care Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Gates; daughters, Sara Gates and Mandy McClain and spouses; grandson, Grayson McClain; twin brother, Randy Gates; younger brother, Steve Gates, and many close cousins and their spouses. He was preceded in death by his parents Norma and Carroll Gates.
Rudy was born as a twin on January 29, 1949 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Norma and Carroll Gates. He grew up in Little Rock, where, in his early years admired the garbage man so much that he had dreams of following in his professional footsteps one day. He had many fond memories of family trips to the beach with his brothers, skiing and fishing on the lake and firecracker fights with his brothers and cousins.
He grew up in the Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church and was a man of faith throughout his life. He also served as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Benton, Arkansas.
After receiving a Bachelors in Accounting from University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1971, he decided to pursue a different career path as a field auditor for the State of Arkansas. He spent 40 years working for the state and retired in 2011 as Field Audit Supervisor for Sales and Tax Use.
In 1978, he met his wife, Joyce, on a blind date. He and Joyce wed later that year. In 1981, he welcomed his first daughter, Sara, and was blessed with a second daughter, Mandy, in 1984.
As he loved playing softball himself, he spent countless hours practicing with and coaching his daughters. Rudy also spent many weekends at softball tournaments, gymnastics meets and cheer competitions always supporting his daughters. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing and loved supporting the Razorbacks.
After retiring, he moved to NWA to be closer to his daughters and beloved Razorbacks. He and his wife Joyce were a fixture at the Razorback baseball games for many years.
He was an amazing man, husband and father and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held 1:30 April 13 at Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church with a brief visitation before services at 12:45.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Will miss funeral as I have bronchitis My love and blessings to Randy
Grandkids and brother. Having met him-and his brother-in the 10th grade
at Hall High School, it was an honor &
privilege to know him and have him as a friend.