Known as “Ba Ba” by family, Willie Tyler Gates III was born November 7, 1959 in Toledo, Ohio to Willie T. Gates and Ora Lee (Edwards) Gates. Willie departed this life at the age of 57 on February 14, 2017. Willie loved music and he liked to sing. If it was karaoke night he was there and he was singing. He was very friendly, outgoing, never meet a stranger, he was an all-around fun natured person. He was the life of the party, he would put smiles on many faces with his quick candor and his way of telling jokes. Willie most often greeted everyone with a smile on his face, even during his sickness you never seem him down. Willie attended Toledo Public Schools. He was a devoted father and loving brother. Willie had a special place in his heart for all his family members.
Willie was preceded in death by both his parents; brothers, Oscar T. Jackson and Larry D. Gates, sister: Mary Jane Jackson.

Willie leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Mattie Gates; daughters, India Parcher, Alesia N. Campbell, and Brittany Smith; step-daughters, LaShonda L. Johnson and Chiquita T. Johnson all of Toledo, Ohio; step-son Keith D. Johnson of Toledo, Ohio brothers, Esque Jackson and Eddie L. Gates all of Toledo, Ohio; sisters, Evelyn Johnson and Aletha (Robert) Newbern all of Columbus, Ohio,; 14 grandchildren, 1 great-grand child and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that loved him dearly.