The Greg Gates Memorial Scholarship was established in 2004.

Gregory Allen Gates was born December 22, 1959. He married Rhonda Carter on September 22, 1979, and became the proud father of Mary Linn and Karen in January of 1983 and 1986.

Greg was a 1978 graduate of Carthage High School. He worked in gas field construction in the East Texas area as well as in southwest Kansas. When asked by a fellow employee what his hobbies were, his answer was spending time with his wife and girls. He was a very dedicated husband and dad, putting the wants and needs of his family first. His other hobbies included reading about and visiting historical places while on vacation or traveling with his job. He also liked to spend time working with his horses.

Greg was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church and always strived to live, as Christ would have him to. He always tried to comfort others even while struggling himself, whether through the trials of life or in the fight against cancer. He passed away February 3, 2003 of colon cancer.

Greg never had the opportunity to attend college, but always encouraged young people to further their education. He wanted them to have the opportunities and experiences he never had the pleasure of enjoying. Because of his influence, his wife and both of his daughters have pursued a college education. Mary Linn graduated from Panola College in 2003 and is currently attending Texas A&M. Karen has taken courses from Panola College and will transfer to Texas A&M in the fall.  

The Greg Gates Memorial Scholarship was established through the generosity of a family friend and the Exxonmobile Foundation and will be awarded annually to a deserving student. The selection of the recipient will be made in the spring each year.