Elder Clark Gates, Sr.

Clark Leslie Gates, Sr. was born on April 15, 1945, in Crowell, Texas to Dixie and Mozelle Gates (Humphrey). He was the seventeenth child of eighteen children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nine sisters; six brothers; his first wife, Doris A. Gates; his second wife, Lola B. Gates; one grandson, Phillip O. Gates Jr. “Lil Phill”; and two great-granddaughters, Ne’Vaeh A. Wheeler and Mae’Lina Brizzell.

In Crowell, Texas, he attended South Ward Elementary and continued his junior high and high school education at Booker T. Washington in Vernon, Texas.

He accepted Christ at an early age at Hopewell Baptist Church in Crowell, Texas. He loved church so much that he would gather friends and hold church services in the yard, where he would preach. There were times when grown folks would be shouting during those yard services.

A gifted musician, Clark learned his first guitar cords from his mother. With determination and passion, he went into the storm cellar and didn’t come out until the next day—when he did, he was playing that guitar like nobody could’ve imagined. He went on to teach himself how to play the harmonica, piano, and trumpet. He would climb onto the roof and blow that trumpet—you could hear it all over town.

At the age of 18, he moved to Oklahoma City. He joined a group called the City Bound Singers of Oklahoma City as the lead guitar player. In later years, he joined another group—the Starlight Gospel Singers—as both the lead singer and lead guitar player. His ministry through music took him across Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, where he spread the gospel in song.

He worked at Tinker Air Force Base until retirement and continued with various jobs before fully retiring. He was an ordained elder under the True Churches of The Apostolic Faith. He later served under the late Bishop Bryant, followed by Evangelist Pamela Hankerson. Eventually, he founded God’s Way Ministries of The Apostolic Faith, beginning in his home and later expanding into a church building. As pastor and overseer, he devoted his life to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He always spoke words of wisdom to his children and grandchildren that helped guide them through life. He was known for his spiritual discernment, anointing, and unwavering faith. If something was going on, he would sense it and call. When told what was happening, he would say, “I knew it. The Lord woke me up to pray. I knew something was going on.” He would hear from the Lord—never missing a beat.

On June 5, 1973, Clark was united in holy matrimony with Doris A. Gates for eighteen years until her death in 1991. To this union, twelve children were born. He was the proud father of 14 children and 12 stepchildren.

His late wife Lola B. Gates also brought into the family: El Toro Donnell (Yolanda) Foster, Angela Levette (Chris) Faulknor, Victor (LaTaisha) Bell, Troy Lynn (Samantha) Bell, Travis Dwayne Bell, Ella Renea Bell, and The late Christopher Bell.

At the time of his passing, Clark was married to Berkley Gates, who brought into the marriage: Migual “Buddy” Potts, Dr. Juanna Potts-Brandon, James Potts II (“JR”), and Katie Potts.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving children:

Kim Gates, Lesley (Tim) Wheeler, Carla Gates, Mia (Tommy) Butler, Ava (Joseph) Howard, Iris Gates, Prophet Clark Gates Jr., Phillip (Tanika) Gates Sr., Timothy Gates, Paul Gates, Private First Class Quentin (Valerie) Gates, Officer Matthew (Rameitha) Gates, Earnest Arbuckle (mother: Beulah Wilson), and Curtis Wright.

He is also survived by two brothers: Deacon Joe (Carnell) Gates and Deacon Richard Gates, and one sister: Mary (Kenny) Hall.

Grandchildren:

Totiana Moore, Brittny Moore, Courtnie Moore, Adriana (Deano) Moore, D’Trick Moore, DeJuan Moore, Othell Wheeler III, Tyrell Wheeler, T’Shawn Wheeler, Tou’Ray Wheeler, Tristin Wheeler, Anthony Thomas Jr., Antonio Thomas Sr., ChasaDee Gates, Chadwick Gates, Emberlee’ (Orin) Phillips, Myra Brown, Orlando Gates, Terrell Gates, Averieia (Antonio) Foy, Jo’Quan Howard, De’Angelo Howard, Kayla Gates, Baileigh Gates, Earnest Arbuckle Jr., Briaunna Steele, Alquintin “Elluit” Steele, Kariyonna Gates, Iriyana Carr, Jordan Carr, Robert Reese Jr., Ma’Laiah Gates, Ange’Laiah Gates, Ja’Cobi Grear, Kyrie Grear

Great-Grandchildren:

Jayden Moore, Tiana Moore, Harlem Jones, Timani Townsend, Tamari Townsend, Brayla Moore, Zariah Martin, Cori Moore, A’Laina Winston, Eliana Loggins, Malani Moore, Kyrie Hawkins, Malachi Wheeler, Skylar Thomas, Sa’Niah Thomas, Serenity Thomas, Zahlani Thomas, Antonio Thomas Jr., Xander Thomas, Tai’Lynn Gates, Ka’Mia Gates, Orin Phillips Jr., Cha’aia Gates, Azlyn Gates, Ro’Juan Foy, Ah’Merie Foy, Tonio Foy, Ah’Nari Foy, Lei’Liana Bizzell, Ja’Myjal Bizzell, Adonis Gates, Atreus Gates, Miya Arbuckle, Noah Arbuckle, Luna Arbuckle

He is also remembered and celebrated by a host of nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, relatives, church family, and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Many remember his famous words:

“Lord Jesus.”

“I know He’s alright.”

“The Lord woke me up to pray—I knew something was going on.”

“Nah, I’m telling ya, ain’t nobody like King Jesus.”