Willian (Bil) Carlton Gatewood was born in Springfield, Tennessee to the parents of Bennett and Helen (Ellis) Gatewood. He was raised by his grandparents Clifton and Mattie Gatewood (deceased). He was baptized at Whitehill Baptist Church and knew the Lord.

William graduated from Lincoln High School in 1957 and was salutatorian and joined the Army in 1962. He married Ruby Lee McClain and to this union three daughters were born.

To cherish his memories daughters; Lorraine and Dennis Bernard, Kimberly Jaalouk (deceased) Yolanda Thomas, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, seven sisters; Patricia (Bennie) Tillmon, Mae Sue Murrell, Lassie (Charles) Turner, Betty (Buddy) Young, Josephine (Will) Oliver, Faye Lewis, Mary Savage (deceased); four brothers;

Bennett Gatewood, William Finis McKinnley, Raymond Gatewood, Hallie Gatewood (deceased), two sister-in-laws Dorothy Ann and Donald King and Eva MeClain. One cousin just like a brother Leonard Payne to include a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.