Honoring the Life of Scott Allen Gates

Scott Allen Gates was only 27 when he left us on December 31, 2025, but he packed a lot of life, grease, and heart into those years.

He was the guy you called when something was broken—not just because he had that MacGyver-like knack for tackling any mechanical issue that needed fixing, but because he’d make you laugh while he did it. Scott was a powerhouse. He was a "hands-in-the-dirt" kind of worker who took real pride in having earned his Class A CDL and being able to handle the weight of a big truck. Whether he was clearing out trees after Hurricane Helene or working as a skilled driver and operator for Pete Alewine Volumetric Concrete Company, he worked like he lived: full tilt.

But Scott wasn't just about the hustle. He was an aspiring boxer with a quick mind and a quirky sense of humor that could flip your mood in a second. He could spend hours talking anime, training and playing with his constant companions, Taz and Toby, or working on his dream to become a motorcycle mechanic.

More than the trucks or the boxing ring, though, Scott’s heart belonged to his family. He was fiercely protective. His big brother mission was simple: make sure Zebediah had every single thing he needed to win at life. He’d do anything for Zeb. And the bond he had with his mom was his anchor. It was the kind of love that didn't need a lot of words because it was just always there, steady and strong.

Scott is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Janie Marie Callaway, paternal grandfather, Charles Lewis Gates, and best friend, Jack Samuel Ryle Jr.

Scott is survived by his brother, Zebediah N. Gates, Alexis M. Shirey, who was cherished as a sister, his Mother, Brandie Marie Lavarias of Augusta Ga; his maternal grandparents Tom and Sheilla Shirey of Minden, La; his precious fur babies, Taz and Toby (now adopted by Alexis); his paternal grandmother, Juanita J. Butler of Brunswick, Ga; his Father of Martinez, Ga; and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends.

We aren't saying a final goodbye just yet. We’ll let Family and Friends know the details for a Celebration of Life once we have things finalized. When we get together, bring your best stories and your loudest laughs to honor Scott’s influence in the lives and hearts he touched, that’s how Scott would’ve wanted it.

In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate donations to assist those in need of mental health support. We have chosen Gracepoint Church which has partnered with Life Management Group to provide counseling to those in need. Including “In Memory of Scott Gates” will ensure the donation is routed to the Mental Health Scholarship. Donations can be made via the URL: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payments/DKDJLCVZS5MF6 or by scanning the included QR Code. Please ensure you include your contact information so you can receive the receipt for your taxes as this is a 501(c)(3) organization.