Randal Michael Gates passed away peacefully at his home in Dothan Alabama on September 22, 2025 at the age of 60.
Randy was born July 1, 1965 at St Anthony’s hospital in St Petersburg Florida to parents George Michael Mesologitis (Gates) of New York City and Jacqueline Ann Gates (nee Larnerd) of Pennsylvania. Growing up in Florida, Randy enjoyed visiting sites of interest around the state with his mom and stepdad Gino, as well as recreational activities and travel with his dad. He also enjoyed visiting family near Binghamton New York during summer breaks. He graduated from Gibbs High School in St Petersburg in 1984, where he was involved in JROTC, Spanish club, and varsity wrestling. His nickname in high school, “Gator,” foreshadowed a lifelong dedication to the Florida Gators. After high school, Randy enlisted in the United States Air Force, following the examples of his father who served in the Greek Hellenic Army, and his then-recently deceased stepfather Gino, a former Staff Sergeant in the USAF. He completed basic training at Lackland AFB, was trained in munitions systems at Lowry AFB and Tyndall AFB, and served in the 325th Tactical Training Wing’s Equipment Maintenance Squadron at Tyndall, maintaining weapons systems for F-15 aircraft.
Randy was introduced to the love of his life Jeanné through her best friend, Mayra. He infamously arrived at their first date after helping a friend repair their car, with a wrench in his back pocket and covered in grease. Nevertheless, a strong connection was made and they continued dating throughout his time in the Air Force, spending time together when he was on leave and generating substantial long distance phone charges while he was away. They were married on October 1, 1988 and resided in Pinellas county Florida where their two sons, Michael and Brennan, were born in 1990 and 1997 respectively. The family relocated to Alabama in 1998 but he remained fond of Florida and his time there throughout the rest of his life. He was proud of his paternal Greek heritage, being the son of a first-generation American father who fought beside Allied forces in World War II as a member of the Greek Hellenic Army’s Sacred Squadron, 3rd Raiding Forces. The family’s roots in Greece go back to the island of Chios, descended from one of the few survivors of the third siege on Messolonghi during the Greek War of Independence. The family’s original surname, Mesologitis, was reportedly adopted by survivors of the massacre after being displaced from their homes and families.
Randy was a dedicated member of Harvest Church for over 20 years and served on multiple service teams. He also served diligently with the tape ministry for numerous years, providing recorded copies of services for those who were unable to attend. He was a passionate blood donor, donating at every opportunity, and received recognition as a “three galloneer” by the Lifesouth blood bank. He was a proud member of the NRA, and passed his enjoyment of firearms and recreational shooting to his sons and grandson. He enjoyed fishing and outdoor recreation, as well as puzzles, boardgames, and locksmithing. He was an avid fan of Wheel of Fortune and rarely missed an airing. Ever the dependable, dedicated worker, Randy recently celebrated 25 years of employment with McLane distribution, where he received numerous recognitions for his outstanding performance throughout his time there.
He is preceded in death by his wife Jeanné (nee Rosano), dear mother Jackie Wolkins, father George Gates, stepfather Gino Vannicola, and sister in-law Lenie Taylor.
He is survived by his stepfather Jeff Wolkins of New Port Richey FL, brother Tom Taylor of Durham NC, sister Kathy Allis of Vestal NY, sons Michael Alan Gates and Brennan Randal Gates (Isha), grandson Elliott Michael Gates, brother in-law Thomas Rosano Jr (Kim) of Macon GA, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Randy was exceedingly loyal, loving, and dedicated as a husband, father, and son. We are devastated that our time with him was cut short so unexpectedly, but we take comfort in knowing his soul is at peace and he is reunited with his beloved wife and the loved ones who departed before him. His lifelong demonstrations of unwavering strength, loyalty, dedication, and love ensure his legacy lives on through the memory of this man of utmost integrity, and the lasting effects of his devotion to those he loved.
A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at Harvest Church in Dothan Alabama on Friday October 10th, 2025 at 2 pm. The family will receive visitors at 1 pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Randy’s memory.
