Phillip Gates

Surrounded by family and friends, Phillip Nathan Gates departed this world on Thursday, April 2, 2026. He was 38 years old.

Born on October 4, 1987, to Nathaniel Gates and Melissa Hunter, Phillip was a son, brother, and husband, but most importantly, Phillip was a father. Phillip grew up in Dayton Ohio, where he was a 2006 graduate of Meadowdale High School. Following graduation, he enrolled in Clark State college where he completed the police academy in 2008.

After graduating from the police academy, Philip worked in security for Lexis Nexis and met his future bride, Megan Adkins. Their son, Liam, was born on Sept 1, 2011. Phillip often said having a son was the highlight of his life, and his main purpose was to give Liam all of the love and support he could.

As Phillip and Megan raised their young son, they moved to Maineville and Phillip worked for Tri Health as a hospital security guard. He was known both at work and at home for his work ethic, sense of humor, and his love for his family.

One of the ways Phillip showed his love was through cooking. He loved smoking meats and sharing food with family, friends, and strangers. He also loved sharing his cooking knowledge with anyone who would listen. He was selfless and gave of himself freely.

When Phillip was diagnosed with stage IV renal failure, he worked hard to maintain his health in hopes of receiving a kidney transplant. His goal was to be present for Liam in every way possible, sharing his wisdom with the knowledge that he may not live for much longer. To his last day, he was determined to remind his loved ones just how much he loved them and encourage them not to linger in sadness.

Phillip is survived by his son, Liam; father and mother, Nathaniel and Sharee Gates; brother, Isaiah; sisters, Jessica and Julia and a host of extended family and friends.

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