Roger Dale Gates

Roger Dale Gates, 82, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of Franklinton, NC passed away on April 15, 2023 at WakeMed Hospital. Roger was born on June 1, 1940, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, to the late June Wade Gates and Rufus Gates.

He graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. Roger’s career in Marketing & Sales included Directorships in IBM Interface firms Proxima and Fisker’s in their San Diego locations.  He retired after as the Director of Marketing after 40 years of service. He was an innovative, respected leader in his field and made significant contributions to the company's success.

In retirement, Roger further pursued his passion for travel and sailing and moved to North Carolina. Roger was active, loved people and also worked part-time for Harris Teeter, John Rex Boulevard, Raleigh. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His kindness, friendliness, unusual and creative sense of humor touched the lives of everyone he met.

Roger is survived by his wife of 42 years, Barbara Magda Howe; children, Steven Gates & wife Michelle of Lake Stevens, WA 98258, Jeffrey Gates & wife Stacey of Laguna Niguel, CA, Michael Howe & wife Gail of Lake Wiley, SC, and Bruce Howe of Chicago. Roger was blessed with five grandchildren, Canyon and Brody Gates, Anika and Ryan Howe, and one great-grandchild, Penelope Beaudoin; sister, Vicki Breazeale and a brother, Royce Breazeale.

A private celebration of Roger's life was held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Diabetes Association in Roger's memory.

A service of Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC. (919)556-7400

www.cswfuneralhome.com