Charles Ray Gates, 85, of Paris, passed away June 20, 2023, at home surrounded by family.

He was born in Paris, to Walter and Mary Laverne (Brown) Gates on August 2, 1937. He married Linda Hamilton on June 26, 1975. They were partners in life for nearly 50 years, and she was his devoted caregiver through many difficult health complications.

After high school graduation, Charlie proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy. Following discharge, he returned to Paris, worked several jobs, and eventually retired after 37 years at the Illinois Cereal Mill/Cargill. Charlie was always a hard worker, and that continued after his retirement.

He enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, the Green Bay Packers, and the fighting Illini basketball and football. He was a huge fan of Paris girls basketball, supporting them and attending games from youth league through high school. On Thursdays, you could catch him at Buffalo Wild Wings. Otherwise, he would be in his shed enjoying a cold Busch Light. One of his greatest joys was supporting his grandchildren in their many events and activities.

Besides his wife, Charlie leaves behind his children: Dan Gates, Amanda (Michael) Favazzo, Tom (Kellie) Gates, and Robert (Mika) Gates, his grandchildren: Vincent Favazzo, Gillian Favazzo (Andrew Spicer), Kelsey (Luke) Magers, Brandon "Bub" Gates, Aaron Gates, Antonio Favazzo, Karlie (Austin) Gahimer, Conner Hale, Jenna Gates, Ashley (Athena) Brandenburg, and Cameron (Cassie) Jordan, plus numerous great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Fred (Cindy) Gates, Wanda Lacy, Jim (Naomi) Gates, and his sisters in law: Sue Nance, Nancy (Ed) Clark, and Liz Steber plus numerous nieces and nephews. Charlie also leaves behind his dear friends Luther Colter and Paula Williams, and the Paris High School class of '55 dinner crew.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Louise Connelley, his brothers in law Len Patrem, Gene Nance, and John Hamilton, his nephew, Kirk Patrem, and his niece, Becky Gates.

The Gates family would like to give a special thank you to Carle Hospice for the loving care they provided for Charlie and Linda in their time of need.

Following cremation, a memorial visitation will take place on June 30 at Stewart & Carroll Funeral Home from 4 to 7PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation, in it's fight against Niemann Pick C-1 in honor of Charlie's grandson, Antonio, or to the American Heart Association.

For more information and online condolences please go to www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com