Mr. Williard A. “Bill” Gates, 83 of Griffin, passed away on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 with his family at his side.
Bill was born in Newton, Mass. on Nov. 21, 1942. His parents, Vernon and Eleanor Hill Gough Gates, his wife who passed December 2023, Kathy Sederquist Gates, and his brother, James Gates, all preceded him in death.
Bill graduated from Waltham High School in 1960 and East Coast Aero Tech in 1965. Bill worked for Northeast Airlines prior to moving to Griffin, Ga. in 1972 following the merger with Delta Airlines. Bill retired from Delta after 35 years of service. Bill became part of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home in 2005 and remained employed until his health declined 2 years ago even though he was unable to come and work, he remained part of our family here.
Bill also served as Deputy Coroner for Spalding County for several years. He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church, having served on many committees, active in the choir, and always was a big part and enjoyed preparing and cooking the Thanksgiving meals the church prepared for the community. In addition, Bill was a member of the Griffin Elks Lodge, V.I.N Club and Griffin Moose Lodge.
He is survived by three daughters Jennifer Jenkins (Chip), Julie Gates (Lanny Cox), Jill Gates; sister, Judith Bissett, sister-in-law, Pat Sederquist; special friends and care givers, Faye and Pete Schneider, Theresa Buchanan; several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025 from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church. Followed by a memorial service in the sanctuary with Pastor Katherine Pasch officiating. In lieu of flowers the family ask that contributions be made to Alzheimer’s Association Southern Crescent District, 41 Perimeter Center E., Suite 550, Atlanta, Ga. 30346 www.alz.org/georgia/ in memory of Bill.
Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 W. McIntosh Rd., Griffin is in charge of arrangements.
