In liue of flowers The Gates Family respectfully request a donation to SpringHill AME Church Building FUND, In memory of Mr. Andrew Cleve Gates. At: Zelle@Springhillame1868@gmail.com Cash App $SpringhillAMEGSC SpringHill Church PO Box 1331 Lexington sc 29071

Andrew Cleve Gates, the builder, journeyed to that building not made by hand as promised in 2 Corinthians 5:1 on September 6, 2024. He joined Lillian Wise Gates, his bride of 75 years, in eternal rest from the wounded Warriors unit of the VA hospital in Columbia, SC. He also joined his beloved first granddaughter, Angel Kenyatta Gates in eternal rest. Relatively, he joined his other loved ones who preceded him: His father, Rev. Etheridge H. Gates, his mother Leola Summers Gates, and his brothers, James Cephas Gates and Johnny Wardell Gates. His sisters, Okynese Dinkins, Ela Florisha Kinard, Jessie Ruth Gates, and Ester Lee Haltiwanger.

Andrew, a "P K" (preacher's kid) joined Spring Hill AME Church at the age of 12. He grew to love the Lord and to serve Him in his church.  He was a Sunday school teacher and a lead singer on the marching usher board. He eventually became the chair of the trustee board.

Sargent Gates served our country in World War II in the Army's Medical Corps. He received an honorable discharge and matriculated to Allen University with a major in history. A young World War II veteran, Sergeant Andrew Gates was a founding member of American Legion Post 217. He helped set standards for dedicated services for veterans from the Korean War to present-day US conflicts. He served the post for over 7 decades.  Ceremonially, he was awarded the QUILT OF VALOR in honor of his service in World War II.

When his GI Bill benefits ended his college education, he discovered his passion for brick masonry. Ultimately, after years of acquiring various building skills, he was the architect and builder of the present Spring Hill AME Church.  Strategically, he worked with the members, so the church was debt-free upon its completion. He stated this was his proudest accomplishment! He took pride in maintaining the beloved church that he built.  He and Lillian were custodians. For many years he managed the grounds and the graveyard.  His name is engraved on the cornerstone to commemorate his work at Spring Hill AME Church.  He joins his Summers ancestors/ grandfathers whose names are on the cornerstones of AME Churches in the Irmo, Peak, and Little Mountain areas. He worked hard at Spring Hill, because he knew he was working as unto the Lord.

Additionally, he built the Lexington Improvement League's building.  When asked about his hobby, he was known to respond that he liked fixing things. This was evidenced by his maintaining the physical operations of the numerous buildings, churches, and homes in the Lexington and Gilbert communities.  Many days his pay was seeing the smile of relief on others faces as he restored their project to working order. Andrew was one of the first black business owners in the Lexington area.  He owned and operated Gates Cleaners.  He provided work opportunities for his relatives and neighbors.  His son, Clevelyn, became a skilled brick mason as a result of his teaching.  His son, Ronald, learned his work ethic alongside him at the dry cleaner.  His nephews and many community youth benefited from his wisdom and teachings as he employed them.

Andrew loved his family and community. He was a founding member of the Lexington Improvement League. He was instrumental in the voting rights movement of the 1960s.  He marched for equal rights, provided transportation to voting poles, and despite the imminent danger, he rode with white freedom riders to hear Martin Luther King speak in the low country. Notably, he was a founding member of the Lexington Branch of the NAACP where he recently received the NAACP Lexington Branch Image Award for his continued service to the community.

Andrew loved his Spring Hill family who affectionately called him, "Papa Gates." His beloved Spring Hill church family will miss him.

His children thank God for the many years they had with him. He will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Ronald (Sheila) Gates, of Columbia, SC, and Clevelyn (Devrow) Gates, of Irmo, SC, and his daughter, Sylvia Gates Moore of Irmo, SC. His grandchildren: Antwon(Tricia) Gates of Commerce City, CO,  Thomas Mitchelson IV of Columbia, SC, and Andrew Guy Gates of Charlotte, NC; Granddaughters: Dr. Shola Gates of Charlotte, NC, Kristen Gates of Irmo, SC, Nikki(Linsey)Haire, and Tamika Blackwell of Atlanta, GA;  10 great- grands, a host of loving nieces, nephews, dear cousins and other relatives and friends who praise  God for his life and will miss him dearly.