Burton Dale Gates was born to Everett and Lorene Gates on June 15, 1949, in Newport, Arkansas, along with 7 brothers and 3 sisters. Dale, as he was affectionately called by family and friends, met Sheila Kendrick in Fennville, Michigan, where they were married on October 28, 1967.

Dale enlisted in the United States Army in 1968, where he faithfully and proudly served his country in Vietnam and Korea, as well as many other stations around the world. Dale was a decorated soldier, serving as an infantry soldier and finishing his career of 26 years as a Command Sergeant Major. He retired in 1994, and he and his wife, Sheila, moved to Arkansas.

Dale gave his life to the Lord in 2006, and his life was transformed by the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. He taught Sunday School, preached in nursing homes, and served faithfully in their church in Arkansas until moving to North Carolina in 2008, where he became a faithful member in his church, Northview Baptist.

Dale was a hard-working and devoted husband and father. He and Sheila raised one son, Burton Dale Gates, Jr. Dale was a faithful provider who always took care of his family. When Burton married Cara in 2005, and they had children, Dale stepped into one of his favorite roles in life – beloved papa.

Dale leaves behind his dear wife, Sheila; his son, Burton (Chip) and his wife, Cara; three loving grandchildren, Burton Dale Gates, III (called Dale after his papa), Caelyn, and Amelia. He is survived by four brothers, Ron, Terry, Tim, and Bobby, and three sisters, Linda, Teresa, and Roberta and their families. Dale was loved by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law as well as many other extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 1 P.M. at Northview Baptist Church. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral from 12-1 at the church. Full Military Honors will be rendered at the Church on Saturday.  Burial will be held Monday, January 27, 2020 at 12 Noon at Sandhills State Veteran's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the building fund of Northview Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Services by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301