Shirley Gatewood

Shirley Maxine Gatewood passed away peacefully May 25, 2023, at the age of 84 years. Shirley was born to Ellis and Olive Smith on October 23, 1938, in Scott City, Kansas. Shirley starred in several school theater productions and choir performances throughout her childhood. She married Bob Gatewood on July 13, 1963. The couple remained married for 56 years until Bob’s passing in January 2020. Together, Shirley and Bob had four sons, Steven, Michael, Richard, and Bobby, Jr. The family moved across the country, to approximately 16 different places, between 1964 until they settled in Houston, Texas, in 1966. Shirley would often recall the times she had to drive the family car, with the four boys in tow, through rough and icy terrain. Shirley was an avid fisherman. Throughout the 70s’, Shirley completed in several professional Bass fishing tournaments. Notably, Shirley fished in the Bass-N-Gal circuit for two years and enjoyed two fishing excursions in Cuba in 1977 and 1979, bringing home several trophy mounts. In 1983, Shirley became one of the first women in the State of Texas to open a retail tackle store, Angler’s Pro Shop. Shirley continued fishing in Bass tournaments until she was 64 years old. Shirley and Bob moved to Magnolia, Texas, in 1998, where they established Pebble Creek Pinzgauers and the Gatewood Family Farm. There, Shirley was able to enjoy two of her favorite things – fishing on her three stocked ponds and spending time with her grand and great grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her sons – Steven, and his wife, Susy; Michael, and his wife, Terry; Richard, and Bobby, Jr., and his wife, Doreen (Doe); her sister, Roberta Proctor; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Gatewood; her parents, Ellis and Olive Smith; her sister, Eva Fairleigh; her brother, Richard Smith; and her daughter-in-law, Lisa Gatewood. The Addison family and staff of Magnolia Funeral Home extend condolences to the Gatewood family during this difficult time.