Maxie Alvin Gates, age 95, passed away at his home in Clayton, GA on September 10, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 15, 1928, near Sheridan, Arkansas to Willie C. Gates and Allie Romancie Ross Gates. He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1953 with a degree in Forestry. After serving in the National Guard, he was employed by the U.S. Forest Service for 33 years, living in Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia. He served as Ranger over the Sumter National Forest at Stumphouse Mountain, SC from 1961-1972 and Assistant Ranger over the Tallulah District in Clayton, GA from 1972 until retiring. He sold real estate for 24 years in Rabun County after retirement. He was a member of Clayton Baptist Church serving as deacon, choir member, Sunday School director, and Sunday School teacher.He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, traveling, and gardening.

He married Winona Maddox Gates in 1956 in Lake City, FL., and is survived by her after 67 years of marriage. He is also survived by son Steve Gates and wife Lori of Clayton, GA; daughter Julie Howard and husband Fred of Evans, GA; grandsons Justin Gates (Kelda), Caleb Gates, Jordan Gates, Derick Howard, Kolton DeFoor, and Jaron DeFoor; granddaughters Heather Glover (Jonathan) and Hannah Howard; great-granddaughters Lennox Gates and Lily Glover.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Clayton Baptist Church on September 16 at 12:00 p.m., followed by visitation and a reception at the Ministry Activity Center at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Clayton Baptist Church or Place of Hope North Georgia at www.placeofhopenga.com., or mail to Place of Hope P.O. Box 933, Clayton, GA 30525.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.