Michael Douglas Gatewood (75), of Acworth, Georgia, passed from this life, and into the presence of
his Lord, on September 25, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to family and to
God.
Michael was born in Brownfield, Mississippi on January 17, 1950. He was the second child and eldest son
of Bunyon Gatewood and Mildred (Capshaw) Gatewood.
Mike was always on the quiet side. This played to his advantage, allowing him to fly under the radar and
hide a persistent mischievous streak – like the time at age three, he poured sand in the gas tank of the
family car. Shortly thereafter, the family moved from Rogers Springs, Tennessee to Aurora, Illinois. It
was there that Mike grew up, playing baseball, riding bikes and generally avoiding trouble, as much as
possible, though not entirely. When asked recently, which of his brothers, growing up, got him into
more fights, he replied "Ron", with no hesitation.
Mike graduated from West Aurora High School in 1968. The Gatewood family worshiped at the West
Side Church of Christ, where Mike met Barbara Draper. The two began dating in high school and married
in January, 1969.
As they raised a family, Mike found success in various career fields, from industrial, to farming, to
construction. Industrious and mechanically gifted, he could fix nearly anything: mechanical, electrical,
plumbing, or carpentry. His skills eventually led him to run his own siding and construction business
before moving to Georgia in 1980. His brother Tim often described him as "the hardest working man I've
ever known." Mike was also good in the kitchen. Not surprisingly, with his southern roots, his specialty
was banana pudding.
Michael's greatest legacy however, was that of husband, father, friend and servant. His dedication to
Barbara and his children, and later in life to Nancy, were always evident. Mike instilled his quiet and
persistent faith and love for God in each of his children. They witnessed Christian hospitality as Mike and
Barb opened their home to a visiting family at church – not just hosting them for a meal, but inviting this
newly relocated family of four to live with them until they were able to secure work and housing.
Though reluctant at first, David and Ginger accepted with gratitude, laying the foundation for a genuine
friendship that would forever bind the two couples.
His early morning hours were often spent sitting on the front porch with a cup of coffee in his hand and
his bible in his lap; a testimony to his love for God and a desire to lead his family. During Barb's
prolonged illness, Mike shouldered the load of caring for her for years; for a while even taking her to
work with him each day, where she would ride along in his truck while he made the rounds supervising
his crews. There was never any wavering or complaint, just love.
Following Barbara's death, Mike was blessed to find love a second time with Nancy (Bell) Lanthorn. As
he considered proposing, trepidation set in. He confessed he might need to move away if she said 'No'.
"If I can't be with her, I don't think I can be in the same state" he said. They ended up marrying in May,
2015. The deck of the home they shared for 10 years overlooks a pond. Of the many little projects that
showcase Mike's handiwork, one of Nancy's favorites is the waterfall that he built on that steep bank.
Nancy, recalling his adoration of her, said "He took such good care of me. He treated me like a queen."
Mike served as a deacon and song leader at the Kellogg Creek Church of Christ, in Acworth.

Michael is survived by his wife, Nancy; his children, Brad (Janice) Gatewood of Acworth, Georgia, and
Melissa (Ricky) Roberson of Euharlee, Georgia; his stepchildren, Richard (Dawn) Lanthorn of Dallas,
Georgia, Vicki (Troy) Halt of Lyons, Indiana, and Valeri Shannonhouse of Acworth, Georgia; his siblings,
Sandra (James) Berkland of Aurora, Illinois, Ronald (Kay) Gatewood of Aurora, Illinois, and Timothy
(Diane) Gatewood of Cartersville, Georgia; fourteen grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bunyon and Mildred (Capshaw) Gatewood; his wife, Barbara
(Draper) Gatewood; his stepson, John Lanthorn; and his daughter, Dawn (Gatewood) Komp.
A memorial service to honor Michael's life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM at
Collins Funeral Home in Acworth, GA. Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories at
the visitation from 11:00 AM until the time of service.