The value of one person’s life is immeasurable. The greatest legacy one can leave behind is the difference that they crafted by hand and heart.

Andrew Cleve Gates, 97, an honored World War II veteran, craftsman and community figure, died on Sept. 6, 2024. Within his final breaths in the Wounded Warriors unit at the VA Hospital, Andrew went to be with his beloved wife of 75 years, Lillian Gates.

Being the son of a preacher and having a heart for God, Andrew joined Spring Hill AME Church at the young age of 12. His love for God and people developed into a love for service. He became involved with the ministry where he taught Sunday school, served as an usher and eventually became chair of the trustee board.

Andrew also had a heart of service for his country. In 1945, he served in World War II as a staff sergeant in the Army’s Medical Corps. The Army was segregated during the time of his enlistment, but this did not stop him from serving in Okinawa and Korea.

He was honorably discharged in 1947 after receiving the U.S. Army Service Award and Good Conduct Medal.

Once discharged from the service, the young World War II veteran attended Allen University. He pursued his education as a history major. Gates also became a founding member of the American Legion Post 217, where he established and dedicated special services for veterans from the Korean War to present-day U.S. war conflicts.

He served Post 217 for over 70 years and was awarded the Quilt of Valor to commemorate his service in World War II.

Out of all the titles that he held, husband and father were among his best and favorite. Andrew married his beloved bride, Lillian Wise Gates, and fathered three children, Sylvia, Ronald and Cleveland.

When his time ended at Allen University, Andrew served his community with his brick masonry and construction skills. As a lifelong member of Spring Hill AME church, he worked to build the church’s current structure. He worked with church staff and congregation to ensure that the new construction would not cause the church any debt upon completion.

Ensuring that his craftsmanship would not accrue debt for his church and its members was one of his greatest accomplishments, he thought.

Andrew took pride in the upkeep and maintenance of the church that he had constructed. Eventually, he and Lillian became the church custodians and groundskeepers in an effort to further serve the church.

Andrew’s name can be found on the cornerstone of Spring Hill AME to commemorate his dutiful efforts to God and the congregation. Andrew also helped construct St. James Lutheran located in Red Bank,  as well as many houses for families within Lexington and Newberry counties.

Additionally, he constructed the building for the Lexington Improvements League, of which he was a founding member.

His passion was to serve with his hands and create buildings that would serve the communities for years to come. This was evident in all the churches, homes and buildings Andrew had serviced.

Occasionally, no payment was needed for his services; he just enjoyed the smile on others' faces when his work was complete.

His business ventures, however, did not stop with just construction. Andrew also became one of the first Black business owners in Lexington. He owned and operated his own dry cleaning company, Gates Cleaners.

Andrew employed many of his friends and relatives, helping them establish a good work ethic history. His young nephews and community youth benefited under Andrew's mentorship. 

Andrew’s heart was to work hard and with all his might because he knew he was doing this unto the Lord.

Andrew loved his family and community. Affectionately known as “Papa Gates” to many, he did all he could to leave the community better than he found it. He was instrumental in the voting rights movement of the 1960s. He participated in marches for equal rights and provided transportation to voting poles.

Despite the uncertainty of his safety, he rode among many white freedom riders to go hear Dr. Martin Luther King speak in the Lowcountry. Andrew also was the recipient of the NAACP Lexington Branch Image Award for his countless service efforts in the community.

“His professional and community leadership has impacted lives even beyond Lexington County," his nephew, Tim Gates, said about his uncle's legacy. "Life as we know it today is better because of him.”

“Papa Gates” is missed by many. The impact and legacy that this brave soul had will live on into future generations, telling stories of great change and revival. His service to our country, community, family and the Lord, will not be forgotten.

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." - Colossians 3:23-24