Mechanicsville, Va. Paul Gates, age 97, passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2021 in Mechanicsville, Va. He was born in Plasterco, Va. to the late George and Mary Gates of McHenry Creek. He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Gates Spielman; granddaughter, Victoria Spielman; grandson, Mark Spielman and wife Carla Tierney Spielman; great-granddaughters, Caitie and Meri Spielman; and many nieces and nephews. He was the last surviving sibling of seven brothers and two sisters. He joined the Navy during World War II, fighting in the Pacific arena. After the war he married Nannie Lawrence, also of McHenry Creek. They remained married 73 years until her death in 2018. He lived in Lynchburg, Va. until 2013, when he and his wife moved to Mechanicsville to be with their daughter. A graduate of Emory and Henry College, he was a fine man and a role model of what a father and husband should be. We will miss him. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021 at Mount Rose Cemetery, Glade Spring, Va. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 at Henderson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, 96 Laurel Hill Road, Verona, Va. 24482. Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Paul Gates family.