Charlene Beth Gates

Charlene B. "Charley" Gates, age 68, resident of Cleveland, TN, passed away Sunday morning, March 9, 2014, at her residence. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. She loved the outdoors. She loved going to the beach, boating and camping. In her younger years, she was an avid tennis player. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Jacquelyn Scott Smithson. She is survived by her loving husband, Miles Gates, Cleveland, TN; sons, Michael Blackmon and wife Robin, Rome, GA; Scott Blackmon, Virginia Beach, VA; step son, David Gates and wife Heather, Tunnel Hill, GA; step daughter, Amy Nixon, Boca Raton, FL; two grandchildren, Abby Blackmon and Reid Blackmon and three step grandchildren, Emily, Ansley and Dawson, Gates; one brother, Marty Smithson and wife LeAnn of Melbourne, FL; one nephew, Rob Smithson and two twin nieces, Katy and Jonnie Smithson. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Grissom Funeral Home Chapel. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with Michael Blackmon, Scott Blackmon, Marty Smithson, Rob Smithson, David Gates and Reid Blackmon serving as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the American Cancer Society. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 11, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Grissom Funeral Home who has charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net.