Local News - October 2003

Businessman Craig Gates dies at 70

Published October 3, 2003

Staff Reports

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Local businessman Craig Pressley Gates Sr. died Wednesday, Oct. 1 after a battle with prostate cancer. He was 70 years old. 

Born in Lincoln County, Gates was a well-known broker, builder, developer and auctioneer.

“Craig was a member of the Chamber for as long as I can remember. He was very supportive,” said Ken Kindley, president of the Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.

“The business community is going to miss him.”

Gates was the owner of Craig P. Gates Inc. and co-owner of C.&M. Land Development.

Owner of the oldest independent real estate and auction company in Lincoln County, he was past president of the Lincoln County Board of Realtors and served on the Lincoln County Home Builders Association.

“Craig was active on the Board of Realtors. He was always responsive in anything you ever asked him to do,” said Marsha Jordan, who served on the board with Gates.

Jordan said Gates was honored last year as being a charter member of the Board of Realtors, which originated in 1977.

Gates was not only involved in area business. He stayed busy in the community.

“He was a hardworking, very active man in non-profit organizations,” said his son Robert Gates.

Gates was a U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea. He was a member of Long Shoals Baptist Church and Lincoln Lodge #137 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rites and an Oasis Shriner.

Services will be held tonight and Saturday.

For funeral information see page 2A.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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