Tribute Wall
Saturday
14
September
Memorial Service
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Fletcher Funeral Service
1218 North Main Street
Fountain Inn, South Carolina, United States
864-967-2424
Saturday
14
September
Visitation
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Fletcher Funeral Service
1218 North Main Street
Fountain Inn, South Carolina, United States
864-967-2424
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
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Babe, today marks 3 long months since you've been gone. This is like no other loss in the world. The trees are now bare & so is my life. Our family has been ripped apart. Bitsy's eye looks bad again. We'll be going back to the vet. Why & how am I to do all these things without you? I was not ready for any of this. I will be glad to see 2024 go, but the New Year will bring no rejoicing from me. You would not recognize me as a person, as I am now so negative & rarely smile. I feel like half a person & I have become more like you. Maybe because I can't face reality & I need you here with me. I do a lot of "pretending". They say the 2nd year is harder because that's when reality sinks in. I don't want reality. It makes life too cruel. How can this Christmas be "Merry"? Again, I will focus on our last Christmas together to get me through. I feel like I have loved you all my life, from age 14, to almost 72. I wonder how long it will be till I join you? Your mom is still hanging in there, but says she is ready to join you when her time comes. I am too, but right now, Bitsy needs me. Miss you making me laugh. I could use a reason to smile. Please come to me in my dreams, my 1st love & my last. We never said, "Till death do us part" but it happened anyway. Missing Will pup (Santa) too. The last pic is from this year. Big difference. We miss you!
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
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12 weeks tomorrow. How can this be? Last week, I sobbed every day, as if you had just passed away. Life is so hard without you. I rarely smile or laugh. Bitsy is about the only one that makes me do either. I talk to her about you every day & say hello to you when your clock chimes.
I have registered for a Grief Share group at Redemption Church close by. It begins in January & goes through April. I hope it helps me deal with the trauma of your passing. I also am reading a book daily about surviving grief & joined a Christian Widows Support group on Facebook. I hate the word widow. I really want to know why so many of us are left behind, grieving the loss of our husbands.
It is so quiet in the house without you. I don't like it. Wish we were celebrating the holidays together. Wish Bitsy was trotting after you like she always did. Things have little meaning now. Oh, I wish I could have what I really want for Christmas, you!
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Friday, November 8, 2024
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Baby,
Finally brought home the new clock urn & my open heart necklace with a little bit of you inside of it. Love & miss you every day! So many tears! Also, got a thumb drive of your Celebration of Life Service.
I still talk to you every day, although you are silent. I know you are totally happy now & worshipping our Lord. Till we meet again...I love you!
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Monday, November 4, 2024
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Today marks 2 months by date. I got together with Janice Bond today & we ate lunch & talked for 4 hours. She wrote a nice tribute to you in your memory book. I let her know how much you were looking forward to visiting with Rick & her & seeing their new home & how pleased you were that we were invited. Nothing is the same without you.
Last week, a 4th grader asked me what I would wish for, if I could wish for anything. I told her that my wish would be impossible, but I do wish it sometimes anyway. I talk to you every day, even though you can't come back. Do you hear me?
I finished reading a book on Grief, Hope in the Aftermath, and intend to get another one by the same author entitled, Surviving Grief 365 Days a Year. From now on, when someone asks me how I am doing, I think that will be my new response, and from what I understand, I will be surviving grief as long as I live. As always, I miss you, Baby, and so does Bitsy. Is Pup up there with you taking walks & playing like a young healthy dog again? I guess I'll know someday. Love you!
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Janice Bond uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 2, 2024
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Linda my heart hurts for you, his mother and his family…And Little Bitsy.
I still find it hard to believe he’s gone. So thankful this past spring we got that one last boat ride in while Jan and the kids were here. And he saw the “Big Boy” statue someone had displayed on the shoreline. That was such a Fun day.
Years ago when we first met Don at one of the grandchildren’s birthday or a Holiday get together. Right away we knew he was part of the family. You could tell that Don loved his wife, mother, his family and his extended family.
Don you will be missed.
Sincerely, Janice, Rick Bond & Sterling too.
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Janice Bond uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, November 2, 2024
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Linda my heart hurts for you, his mother and his family…And Little Bitsy.
I still find it hard to believe he’s gone. So thankful this past spring we got that one last boat ride in while Jan and the kids were here. And he saw the “Big Boy” statue someone had displayed on the shoreline. That was such a Fun day.
Years ago when we first met Don at one of the grandchildren’s birthday or a Holiday get together. Right away we knew he was part of the family. You could tell that Don loved his wife, mother, his family and his extended family.
Don you will be missed.
Sincerely, Janice, Rick Bond & Sterling too.
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, October 31, 2024
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Papa Don,
Did you watch Thatcher yesterday & today, as he became an airman for the USAF?
I am most proud of him, & I know you are too!
Love,
Gray
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
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It's been 8 weeks, Baby. I wonder if you hear me talk to you every day, if you can see me, & hear me cry? I am at Cracker Barrel for our Broccoli Cheddar Chicken. I also ordered a salad & biscuit beignets, so I'll have leftovers for supper. I wanted to share with you that I finally got new glasses. They are a violet color. I think you would like them on me. Speaking of eyes, Bitsy is doing great & not having to wear her cone anymore. Great news! BTW, I am going to try to drive to Ohio for Jen & Will's wedding next May. Wish you could be there with us. Miss you more than you know.
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Jennifer Gates uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, October 26, 2024
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Hey, dad! You'll never guess what happened! Will proposed to me this past Thursday in Cuyahoga Valley National Park at the Ledges overlook. But I bet you saw that from Heaven & you probably knew that Will was planning it ;) I wish more than anything you could be there to celebrate our special day with us- May 18, 2025. I know you'll be watching down upon us with happiness...
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, October 17, 2024
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Audrey carried the urn at your Celebration of Life memorial service and she said how much she missed you and wished you weren't gone. I had this photo remembrance pillow made for her, so she would always remember her grandpa. She had a huge smile when she received it, showing everyone her love for you. Laura shed some tears. You were so special to all of your family.
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, October 17, 2024
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Earlier, the week of this photo, we saw the grands at Janice & Rick's Seneca home for a day of celebrating Thatcher's high school graduation & spending time on the boat. We even saw a home with Big Boy displayed near the water. After you passed, Tenley sent me this sweet message. It meant so much to me that our youngest granddaughter reached out to comfort me in this way. I wish I could have seen her & Teagan later this month, but it just was not meant to be. Everything in my life has changed so much, except my love for you.
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
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It's been 6 Wednesdays since you've been gone. Not really getting any better, just very quiet here. I have learned how to mow the lawn with the John Deere tractor. I've sold 7 diecast cars this week! God & you have provided a way for me. I'd rather it was you doing the selling. Didn't get our Broccoli Cheddar Chicken meal tonight. Ate chicken noodle soup instead. Had an eye exam & ordered my new glasses. You weren't there to give me your opinion, so I hope you like them. Taking Bitsy for possible outpatient eye surgery tomorrow. Pray for our baby. I am trusting God to heal her. Going to bed now. I miss you so much. I wish you could come back. Life is hard without you. Night, Baby. Love you!
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Friday, October 11, 2024
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Q: How did you meet Don?
A: I met Don when we were only 14 years old. I saw this cute boy at school and used to stare at him. Having a "crush" on him for the next few years, I gave up all hope that this shy teen would ever like me (I was shy too) until our Senior year, when I was told that Don liked me too! I was so happy! On October 22, 1970, which Don referred to as our anniversary, we spoke to each other for the 1st time. The ice broken, we finally began to see each other at school sporting events. Of course, I attended them all in order to spend more time with Don. I wish we could turn back the clock and start all over again. I miss you terribly and cannot go a day without crying. Our "fairy tale" marriage on July 12, 2012, did not end as fairy tales should with "and they lived happily ever after," because I am not happy now that you're gone.
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Laura uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, October 10, 2024
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
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Don & I loved to go out to eat. We had our favorite restaurants. Some of Don's favorites were Big Boy & Hard Rock Café. We enjoyed Longhorn & Red Lobster. Don always enjoyed a good burger.
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
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Q: Where did Don like to travel?
A: Don & I enjoyed traveling to our favorite places, some of which have been severely affected by the recent Hurricane Helene. Hendersonville & Asheville, SC, Chimney Rock too! Universal Studios in FL. Finally, Don loved visiting zoos and the Isle of Palms too.
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Jen Gates uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
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Don showing his love for Cleveland Indian's baseball
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Jen Gates uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
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Don with his daughter (Jen) and son (Tim) on Tim's 3rd birthday. October 1982
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Jen Gates uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
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Don with his daughter, Laura. 1982
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Jen Gates uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
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Don, circa mid- 1970's
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Laura uploaded photo(s)
Monday, October 7, 2024
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Grandpa and Audrey meeting for the first time ❤️
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William Beutler posted a condolence
Monday, October 7, 2024
I will miss having conversations with you on anything that came up when you came to ohio or when Jen and I met you on our trips to the Smokies.
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Daren and Wendy Rickard posted a condolence
Sunday, October 6, 2024
We met Don and Linda through a couples class and are so blessed to know them. Don had an open and transparent desire to become all that God wanted him to be. And to be a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He persevered through life and deeply loved Linda. We are sad to hear the news of his untimely death, yet grateful he is resting in Heaven with his Savior.
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, October 6, 2024
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Baby, the pain of losing you is more intense each day. I think of you in heaven wondering why I am so sad. So, today I want to remember the good times that we had here on earth, till one day I see you again.
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Laura Glass uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, October 5, 2024
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My husband and I had the privilege of getting to know Don through a couples class we took together at church. Over the months, we got to know some of his life story, past and present. Each time he shared, it deepened our admiration and respect for him. A precious friendship grew. His bravery and openness proved his deep love for his wife and his Savior. Humble and caring, he was willing to do anything for those he loved. Don was a wonderful example of a lifelong learner. I will miss our deep conversations about life, but most of all, I will miss his tremendous kind heart. I praise God that he is rejoicing in heaven, but he leaves a hole here that can never be filled.
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Friday, October 4, 2024
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Papa Don having fun with the step-grands, Thatcher, Teagan, & Tenley.
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Friday, October 4, 2024
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Baby, you've been gone 1 month today. "Rainy Days & Mondays" & Tuesdays & Wednesdays & Thursdays & Fridays & Saturdays & Sundays "always get me down." I have sobbed every day this week. How am I supposed to do life without you? If wishes could bring you back, you'd be here with me & Bitsy. Bitsy's eye has the ulcer again. Pray for our little baby, that Jesus would heal her, please!
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, September 29, 2024
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Yesterday, I found our Animoto wedding photo video collage. It was a comfort, as I had been wanting to see it. This morning, I watched it again & sobbed my eyes out. Bitsy came running. She is my comfort dog now. How can I ever be happy without you? Bitsy is sad too.
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Linda Gates posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Today is the 3 week anniversary of your homegoing. I know an angel came and took you, but I wish you could still be here with me. I miss you every second of every minute of every hour of every day. I think of all we had planned to do in the future and how those plans changed with your last breath. Oh, how I wish we had known to get you to the hospital the day before. I know you are perfectly content in heaven, but I am still here on imperfect earth. Bitsy and I need you. I wish you could come back or that I'd see you in my dreams, but my sleep is restless and that hasn't happened yet. However, someday, I will see you again. Until then, love you, Baby.
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, September 21, 2024
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Family is Everything
We miss you Son, Bro', Papa Don, Dad, Babe.
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Laura uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, September 21, 2024
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Laura posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, September 21, 2024
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Jen Gates uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, September 21, 2024
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After a family dinner at Chili's
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Jen Gates uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, September 21, 2024
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Our last Father's Day together
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Linda Gates uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, September 21, 2024
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Q: Did Don have any pets?
A: Don loved his pups so much. We lost Will (Pup) earlier this year, in February. Then, Bitsy lost her "Daddy." She followed him everywhere. We are lost without you, Daddy.
Love & miss you so much,
Bitsy & Mommy
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Linda Gates posted a condolence
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Don, I talk to you every day. I am wondering if you can hear me. Yesterday, I went to Dr. Mruz, & decided to go to Mythos afterwards for lunch like you & I would always do, so I could tell Steph, our waitress, that you were in heaven. She was shocked, hugged me, and had tears streaming down her face. I just wanted you to know. Love you still. Linda
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Jen Gates posted a condolence
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Dad, it's been over 2 weeks since you've been gone & it still doesn't seem "real". I all love & appreciated you so much & will remember you always...
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Nancy Metzger posted a condolence
Saturday, September 14, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss & we send our deepest sympathy to you & the family. We are praying for God’s comfort & peace in this time. May the Great Shepherd’s rod & staff comfort you & give you His peace that passes all understanding. ❤️
Paul & Nancy Metzger
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Mary McGinty posted a condolence
Saturday, September 14, 2024
About twelve years ago, Don and Linda invited me to drive with them from Cleveland to see Niagara Falls and have lunch at the Niagara Hard Rock Cafe. I had been to Niagara Falls before and had eaten at Hard Rock in Cleveland, but I thought it sounded like a fun day.
As it turned out, Niagara Falls and Hard Rock Cafe were two of Don's favorite places. I'll always remember his joy and excitement at sharing his love of the Falls as we ran to each of his favorite spots for the "best views."
After the Falls, we went to Hard Rock. Don's enthusiasm for the place outshone the food as he pointed to his favorite rock memorabilia. It was a wonderful trip, but what made it so memorable was Don's happiness at sharing what he loved.
Thinking of you and the family, Linda.
Love, Mary
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Stephanie Kayatin Lemp uploaded photo(s)
Friday, September 13, 2024
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The two of you loved each other dearly. I could tell there was much joy in your marriage. This was the first time we all reunited since high school…a wonderful picture with Don. Prayers of comfort to you and your family.
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Linda uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
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Our 12th Anniversary. Who knew it would be our last? We thought we'd make 25 years easily. You were too young to leave me, but I guess heaven wanted you more. Bitsy sleeps on the loveseat where you passed away or on your chair. I think she still smells your scent. I wish I could. I love & miss you with all my heart, which is broken, by the way.
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Nancy Timm lit a candle
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
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Don, or Donnie as I’ve always known him, was my cousin. Because he grew up in the Cleveland area, and I grew up in the Detroit area, I didn’t see him very often when we were young. I got to know Donnie when we were older adults, and I loved visiting with him! I enjoyed the conversations and his sense of humor. My favorite memory of him will always be his and Linda’s fairy tale love story. We can never know what God has in store for us, but we can always trust in His ways and His timing. I will miss you, Donnie. ❤️
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Janicr (Gates) Melbar posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Don- I will miss your great sense of humor and quick, witty remarks.
Love Always, Your Sis
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Laura uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
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Laura posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
I miss you Daddy. This is a nightmare I’m not waking up from. I love you
D
The family of Don Gates uploaded a photo
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
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At Fletcher Funeral and Cremation Services, we take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met. We proudly serve Fountain Inn, South Carolina and all of our surrounding communities.
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1218 N. Main Street
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Phone: (864) 967-2424
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