Jeffery Allen "Gator" Gates, 55, of Allegan, MI passed away Friday, April 9, 2021 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. Born July 23, 1965 in Allegan, he was the son of Alma (Groenheide) Kelley and the late Garrit Gates and was the stepson of the late John Kelley. In 2000, Jeffrry married Dawn Marie Schrock and they spent twenty-one happy years together raising their family. He had worked for Haworth for twenty-one years and Perrigo for eleven years. Jeffery loved hunting and fishing. Ice fishing with friends and family in the winter months was among one of his favorite pastimes. He was well known in high school as a wrestler and then his early adult years he loved playing softball where he was known for hitting homeruns. He loved spending his summers at Sandy Pines where he enjoyed golfing. Jeffery was a huge University of Michigan fan. He could be quite a prankster and had a contagious little snicker! Jeffery will be remembered as a gentle giant who always took care of others before himself. He was an amazing son and brother, wonderful husband, and proud father and grandfather. In addition to his mother, Alma and his wife, Dawn, Jeffery is survived by his children, Chad Gates, Cory (Kara) Gates and Chelsea (Cameron) Groover; siblings, Rick (Michelle) Kelley, Reggie (Sheila) Kelley and Bonnie (Ernie) Pullen; five grandchildren, Elaina Gates, Hunter Gates, Rowan Gates, Hailee Golden and Lyla Groover; his parents-in-law, Terry and Judy Davenport; and numerous nieces and nephews. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the University of Michigan Pancreatic Cancer Clinic in care of the Rogel Cancer Center; Assistant Director of Development, Cancer Center, Office of Development, 1000 Oakbrook Drive, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, is assisting with arrangements.