Elgin Harvel “E. J.” Gates, Jr., 69
May 17, 1955 – February 27, 2025
“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Elgin Harvel Gates Jr. but best known as E. J. to all those who loved him, departed this earthly world and moved onto greener pastures Thursday morning February 27, 2025, at Diversicare Health and Rehab, where he is now, enjoying choice foods, sweet drinks, and rejoicing in Heaven, sitting at the feet of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Services celebrating the life of E. J. will be at 11 AM Tuesday March 4, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home with longtime friend, Bro. Doc Shelton officiating. Visitation will be from 5 PM until 8 PM Monday March 3, 2025, at Ripley Funeral Home and will continue from 9 AM until time of service on Tuesday. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery.
One of eight children belonging to the late Elgin H. Gates Sr. and Velma Jane Michael Gates, E. J. made his grand entrance on May 17, 1955, in Tippah County. He made his way through the halls of Falkner High School, before joining the United States Army, proudly serving his country. After his service to our nation, E. J. returned back to his hometown, where he spent all his life as a logger, working with Randy Waldon, Nickey Guynes, Greg Chapman, and many others. He was a man never scared to work, who was blessed by turning a passion into a career, for he loved being in the woods, cutting timber, running a chainsaw, and driving a skidder.
A Christian, E. J. was best known for his simple way of living, strong willed personality, and penchant for shaking a little ice whenever the opportunity presented itself. Nevertheless, he was well known in his community, as he cut a wide path and lived large, making many friends during his time here on earth. There was never a dull moment when he was around, as he traveled where he wanted, learned what he wanted to learn, loved who he wanted to love, and did what he wanted to do. No matter the circumstances, you’d always have a story of something E. J. did while you were with him. Yet even the challenges life brought his way, E. J. never gave up on what he knew the Lord had prepared for him. During his last few days, he assured his daughter, Candice, that he knew where he was going, saying, “Me and God have it all worked out”. What a blessing it is to know that E. J. has forever been healed, and we look forward to that great reunion in Heaven with him one day. Our loss is great, but glory be to God for he is greater.
His legacy continues to live on through his daughter, Candice Devore (Larry), two sisters, Oma Guynes (Nickey), and Lillian Guynes (Donnie), three grandchildren, Will Devore, Cole Devore, and River Devore, and wide circle of family, cousins, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by four brothers, Burton, Verdis, Danny, and Ernest Gates, and one sister, Bertha Sue Thompson.
Pallbearers will be Cory Gates, Randy Waldon, Wilburn White, Donnie Guynes, Cole Devore, Joey Sagely, and James Gates.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of Diversicare Health and Rehab, along with Enhabit Hospice Team for the love, care, and devotion given to E. J. and them during his illness.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with E. J. Gate’s family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
