Larry Izear Gates, Sr., 71, of Erie PA, passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2020. He was born on December 6, 1949 in Erie, PA to the late Robert & Edith Atkinson – Gates.

Larry was a graduated of Academy High School, after graduating he served in the United States Army. He was employed and retired from General Electric after thirty plus years of service.

He was a member of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist church where he was a member of the male choir. Larry was a member of the Barney – Smith American Legion Post 700, and the Gem City Lodge #328. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling with the P's& G's and Soulsville leagues, fishing, football as he was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, barbequing and most of all he looked forward to the Atkinson Family reunion.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers – Thomas G and Thomas R Gates; daughter – Teri Gates and his first wife Gwendolyn Gates.

He leaves to cherish his memory, wife Paulette Evans Gates, six sons – Larry Jr., Anthony, Tyrone and Brandon Gates, Steven (Alisa) and Alvin Baldwin; four daughters – Thelicia (John P) Johnson, Terricca Gates, Frances Nickson and Vicky Baldwin; stepchildren – Nuriel (Javan) Xzolazo and Onjanette Jackson; brother Joseph Gates; sisters – Sarah Foutain, Gloria, Edith and Barbara Gates, Uncle – William Clinton Atkinson; Twenty-four grandchildren; thirty – six great grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.

Friends may visit with the family at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 901 E. 5 ^th Street, on Thursday, January 7, 2021, from 10 am – 12 pm, where a private family celebration of life will follow with Rev. Anthony Harris eulogizing. Interment will be at Erie County Memorial Gardens. Professional services are entrusted to Pitts Funeral Home, 2926 Pine Ave, Erie, PA 16504. The service will be livestreamed at www.streamview.live ALL CDC COVID-19 GUIDELINES WILL BE FOLLOWED AND EVERYONE MUST WEAR A MASK!