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Irvin Wayne Gatewood

April 4, 1969 – May 6, 2021

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:7-9.

Irvin Wayne Gatewood, 52, passed away suddenly, Thursday, May 6th, 2021.

A graveside memorial service will be held in the Frith Family area of Overlook Cemetery, Bryant Street, Eden, NC on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM. The Reverend Kevin Dunovant will be officiating the celebration of life. A gathering of friends and family will take place at the home of Brandon and Tammy Evans, 598 Yount Road, Eden, NC, after the service.

Irvin loved life and his greatest joy and blessing was to make people laugh. He had a servant’s heart for those that were struggling. He had a way of lifting people up, because God used him in this life to go through many of the very same struggles that allowed him to relate to others in compassion. If you were one of the ones he was close to, most every morning he would send a text or call saying "Good morning, I hope you have a blessed day!"  He loved his family, and most of all, his mother. His daddy was his hero! Irvin loved the outdoors; fishing, hunting, boating, and the last few years he had the opportunity to drive the big trucks and see some amazing places, his earthly dream. Many of you got to share in the pictures he gave you in his journeys. If you were a Carolina fan, you received persecution from him over his team, Duke! You know you are laughing about that right now. Irvin had a spiritual side that not many people got to see in him. He loved the Lord! He memorized scripture and hid it in his heart. It was what spoke to him many times. We will never know the places God used him to change the life of another brother, or help to save a victim from the evils of this world. And it is by the grace of Jesus, and His Glory, Irvin has a new address; a mansion in heaven, prepared just for him.

God created an amazing tapestry in this world. There are so many beautiful colors that make that masterpiece. He created it all! He also chose the dark colors that we do not often see as beautiful. But it is those colors that make the bright colors come alive. If you knew Irvin, you may have looked at him as one of the colors that was not so pretty, but he made you shine. He was the dark that allowed your vibrant light. Not many could have worn his shoes and still smiled the way he did.

Irvin was born on April 4th, 1969 to Wayne and Betty Gatewood. He is survived by a daughter, Savannah Gatewood of Thaxton, VA, fiancé Stephanie Brooks of Eden and her daughter, Bryanna and grandson, Cayden. Two sisters, Carolyn McCrary and husband, Dennis, of Lenoir, NC, and Tammy Evans and husband, Brandon, of Eden, NC; many nieces and nephews: Shanna Rogers and Danny Whitener; Kenny Kirkman and wife, Kimberly; Andrew Kirkman and wife, Tiffany; Chad McCrary; Summer Ritchie and husband Chase; Daniel Evans and wife, Tiffany; Justin Fuller and wife, Kayla; Rylie Ritchie, Peightyn Ritchie, Ethan Evans, Kasen Kirkman, Kyler Kirkman, Addilynn Fuller, Everly Fuller, and Grayson Fuller.

Irvin was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Betty Gatewood, and an infant brother, Robert Wayne Gatewood. 

Memorial Contributions can be made to the First Wesleyan Church, 607 Church St. Eden, NC  27288

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com or to Irvin's Facebook account.