Charles Gates (Lansing)

Mr. Charles Michael Gates affectionately known as “Squeaky” and “Uncle Deek” passed away Sunday, July 19, 2020 at his residence in Lansing, Michigan age of 67 years old. Charles was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 21, 1952 to Leavora Quarrels and William Gates.

Charles was educated in the Detroit school system and graduated from Murray Wright High School. Later in his life he earned an associate degree studying liberal arts through online college courses. In 1972 he enlisted in the United States Army where he served until his honorable discharge in 1976. Later in life he owned and operated his own semi-truck to haul merchandise for various distributors throughout Michigan and the United States. In 1973 he married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie McCullough and they had three children. He loved fishing and could often be found on a fish bank in Lansing, Detroit or Canada. Charles was an excellent singer and musician, he played Drums, Congo’s and Bongo’s. He had an extremely outgoing funny and outspoken personality. He would often tease and play with you to the point of anger and tears then would say “you know I’m just playing with you; I love you”.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories, his children, Nichole Gates (Steven) Watson, Tywoine Gates, and Charles Michael (Tawanna) Gates, Jr.; his children blessed him with 6 beautiful grandchildren, Tahrielle Gates, Tatiana Watson, Tahrelle Watson, Tahron Watson, Trevon Watson, and Cayden Gates and 5 great grandchildren; siblings, Nettie Quarrels Lauchie, Leeopele Quarrels Carter, Lawerence Quarrels, Sharron Gates Johnson, and Kim Gates Henley; uncle, Alvertis Thomas; many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Charles was proceeded in death by his wife, Bonnie McCullough Gates; mother, Leavora Quarrels; father, William Gates; maternal grandmother, Nellie Smith; maternal grandfather, Moselle Smith; sister, Nettie Lauchie; brother, Larry Gates; and nephew, Larry Gates, Jr.

Luke 1:78–79
"Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."