John Gatewood, age 83, of Columbus, Ohio, was born in Springfield, Tennessee on October 17, 1939 to George Andrew and Lizzie Etta (Jones) Gatewood. John transitioned to rest on Monday, January 9, 2023. John grew up in the north end of Columbus known as Flytown before his family moved to the Hilltop. He retired from Coca-Cola, where he started on the delivery truck. He worked his way into sales as an account manager and excelled – earning numerous awards and incentives over the years. After his retirement from Coke, he couldn’t just “sit still” so he went to work at Groveport Giant Eagle part-time in the prepared foods section. After 10 years, he decided he really was ready to retire!
John and Cynthia (Goldstein) were married November 25, 1967. They built a good life together with their sons and became part of The Columbus Bible Way Church family in 1984. They were both active in the church, serving on the Deacon Board, Usher Board, Van Ministry for Jets for Jesus and Sunday School, Ambassadors for Christ Camp and Men’s and Women’s Fellowship. They were Blessed to travel together throughout the years: Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Cape Cod, Las Vegas, New York, Canada, numerous Caribbean cruises and their last major trip together, a journey that took them to Cuba.
John is preceded in death by his father, George Andrew Gatewood; mother, Lizzie Etta Jones Gatewood, son, Cyrus; brothers, George Andrew, Mims, and Robert Nathaniel; sisters, Ida Lou Mixon, Alice Tuck, Alberta Gatewood, and Katherine Douglas; nephew, T. Wayne Gatewood; mother-in-law, Katherine Goldstein.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Cynthia; sons, John Jr. (Marta) of Schollkritten, Germany; Carlo, Kwesi (Jenelle), and Dedan (Amrit); sisters, Annie Mae Davis and Peggy A. Gatewood; grandchildren, Cyrus, Valdez, and Marcellous Smith, Tamika, Natasha, and Mark, all of Germany, Jeniya, Kwesi, Jr., Elisha, Kennedy, Dedan, Jr., Casey, Jaylen, and Kylen; nieces and nephews, Angela (Don) LaFollette, Tracy (Erwin) Raphael, Heather (John) Gutierrez, Shawn and Mims Gatewood, Jr., Bernard Johnston, Juley Jordan, Joanna Johnston, Scott and Keith Douglas, Denise Ramsey, Rosalyn Mixon, Toni (Antonio) Newsome, Rosemary (Jeffrey) Pollard, Jonathan Peoples, Anthony (Sharon) Slappy, Joseph (Rachel) Slappy, Dorothy and Kerry Gatewood, Kia (Philip) Merrifield, Shirley Taylor, Michael, Andre and William Venson, Debbie Taylor, Shade “Nikki” Elliott, and Wayne (Amanda) Gatewood; father-in-law, Charles Goldstein; special friend, Robert Davis; a host of great nieces and nephews, extended family, the Columbus Bible Way Church family and a group of friends who stayed in touch with him over the years: Dr. Wallace Chandler, John Mixon, John Vanarsdale, and the late Larry Justice.
Visitation 11:00am and Memorial Service Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Columbus Bible Way Church, Inc, 2660 Rhoads Ave
Sending Heartfelt Prayers to Cynthia & Family.
May GOD Dispatch HIS Angels To Watch Over You.
To Cousin Cynthia and Family;
Our sincerest condolences for you and your family at this difficult time. You have our deepest sympathy. We are very sorry we can’t be there in person, but our love and prayers are with you.
The Jones Family (Deborah, Tina, & Brian)