William M. Gates, Iii

Gates, William (Bill) Murray, 83, passed away on Sunday surrounded by his family. Born in South Kingstown to W. Murray Gates Jr. and Doris Merrill on November 23rd, 1932, he leaves behind his wife of 58 years Mitzi (Stauffer), and his four children Elizabeth Smith of Idaho, David Gates of Wakefield, Mitzi Bowdler and husband Charles of Mississippi and W. Murray Gates IV and his wife Supranee of Kingston, 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother, Robert B. Gates of Wakefield. Bill attended school at Eaglebrook and then Hebron Academy followed by the University of Rhode Island where he graduated in 1957. His professional career was spent in the insurance industry having founded the Gates Insurance Agency in Wakefield. He was passionate about serving his community and spent over twenty years volunteering for the South County Ambulance Corps and the Wakefield Fire Department as deputy chief. He continued his commitment to others later in life serving on the board of the Greater R.I. Regional Employment and Training Board, past president of Seniors Helping Others, a founder of the Ram Par Club as well as a founder and past president of the Galilee Mission. He was also a long-standing member of the Elks Club, Lions Club, the Masons and the Shriners. He served on the South Kingstown Town Council in the 1960's and as Town Moderator in the 1970's. Visiting hours are at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, Wednesday, 4-7 pm. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 pm Thursday at the First Baptist Church, 305 Kingstown Road, Narragansett. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Galilee Mission,PO Box 459, Narragansett, RI 02882.