William R. "Bill" Gates Jr.

   William R. “Bill” Gates Jr., 98, of Lancaster, and formerly of Manheim; died peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in the Hospice Unit at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Lebanon. Born in Sinking Spring, he was the son of the late William R. Sr. and Mabel D. Hendricks Gates. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Jane Hecker Gates who died in February of 2020 following 66 years of marriage. Bill proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. For over 30 years he was employed at Howmet then Alumax, Lancaster. Bill retired as the Hot Mill Superintendent at Alumax. Previously he worked for Hamilton Watch Technologies, Lancaster. He was a member of the Manheim Masonic Lodge # 587 and the annual Manheim Skullduggers Association Summer Event. Bill was a life-long hunter and fisherman; from traveling to the family cabin “Stony Brook Lodge” in Potter County, to hunting at the Y. O. Ranch in Texas, fishing in Canada and Goose hunting in Maryland; he was in for adventures with family and friends and big game. He loved playing golf and attending for many years the Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Championship in California. Bill loved rooting for his Baltimore Colts Football Team, and continued to be an enthusiastic fan when the Colts moved to Indianapolis. Bill loved Big Band music from the time he was a teenager. He would be dancing in Manheim and dancing away at the former Charlie’s Dance Hall in Marietta. After losing most of his vision a few years ago, Bill spent most of his days and nights sitting in his kitchen and listening to Satellite Radio 1940’s Music Channel. He was sincere and genuine with family and friends, and loved his family deeply. People would say that he was one of the truly Good Guys, and will be missed by many.

   Surviving is a daughter, Carol Gates Shirker wife of Newpher “Newt” Shirker Jr. of Lancaster, a brother, Thomas G. husband of Jean Gates, of Manheim, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are three sisters: Bennetta M. Shelly, Mary E. Zinn, Jane A. Bruckhart.

   Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Bill’s Celebration of Life Service at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim, on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM. There will be a viewing at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM with additional viewing on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM till time of service. Interment will be in Manheim Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Bill’s memory to Lancaster First Assembly of God, (For City Gate Ministries),1025 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603.