- The viewing will be held on Friday, Sept. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral of Faith International (2300 N.W. 135 St., Miami, Fla. 33167).
- The funeral will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. at New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral of Faith International (2300 N.W. 135 St., Miami, Fla. 33167).
- The burial will be on Monday, Sept. 26, at 9:30 a.m. at the South Florida Veterans National Cemetery (6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, Fla. 33449).
Mr. Alfred Vangates was born on April 2, 1930, in a small and quaint town in Monticello, Fla., to the proud parents, the late Fred Vangates and Rachel Sneed Vangates. He attended The Howard Academy, in Jefferson County, a school once forbidden by law and social norms in 1936 when the doors opened for students of color. The Howard Academy became a source of education and pride for the African American Community.
In the early 1950s, Mr. Vangates or “Big Daddy,” as he was affectionately known, set off to see the world, leaving his five siblings behind, Frances Vangates, Josie King, Mary Alice Green, Dess Vangates and Athel Vangates, all who preceded him in death.
Truth be told, Big Daddy had several nick names, Van, Big Al, Uncle Al, Uncle Pound and of course, Bubby, the name his mother lovingly called him. Mr. Vangates realized that life was an exciting adventure, and he was eager to see what life had to offer. In February of 1952, Mr. Vangates enlisted in the United States Army, and between 1952 and 1953 he fought in the Korean War. He served his country well and was honorably released from active duty a couple of years later.
Mr. Vangates, a tall slender handsome man, walked with confidence, spoke with authority, but also understood the value of humility. He could walk into a crowded room and without saying a single word, became the focal point of everyone’s conversation. Perhaps it was due to him having such a larger-than-life personality. People would often gravitate to him to seek guidance on all sorts of topics or catch up on current events.
In 1960, he married Sarah Nell Harris. This marriage produced five beautiful girls, Regina, Renee, Renell, Reva, and Ronda. “Van,” as he was called by his wife, showered his daughters with love and affection. He not only loved his family but provided for them by working at the United States Postal Service. Instead of wearing his uniform to work, Mr. Vangates wore a three-piece suit and carried an attaché case with his Wall Street Journal inside, which he read daily. He was a big believer in educating his children and ensuring the values and morals that were bestowed upon him by his parents, were bestowed upon his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
In the early 1970’s, Mr. Vangates accepted Christ while being a member of A.M. Cohen Temple Church of God in Christ in Overtown, a neighborhood of Miami. He was later ordained at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Fla. Deacon Vangates was a dedicated usher and would be caught passing out soft peppermint candies while the service was session. He later joined Bethel Baptist Church until 2016, when he relocated to Jacksonville, Fla.
Deacon Vangates leaves on this earth his children: Refeno Vangates (Patricia), Regina Vangates-Gibson (David, the best son-in-law ever), Renee Vangates, Renell “Angie” Vangates, Reva Vangates, Ronda Vangates and Troslyn Flowers (stepdaughter). Also cherishing his memories are his eleven grandchildren: Refeno Vangates (Satarria Vangates), Regento Vangates, Resenio Vangates, DaShawn K. Gibson, David K. Gibson, II, David K. Lewis (step grandson), Marsha Clark-Derico (step granddaughter), LeBrunt Medders, Joshua Coney (Kiana), Matthew A. Burns and Ashley Crystal Renee Vangates. Having lived a blessed ninety-two years, Deacon Vangates also had eight great grandchildren: Sariyah Medders, Josiah Coney, Mariah Coney, Paris Vangates, Rakiya Vangates, Rashard Vangates, Refeno M. Vangates and Regento C. Vangates. Deacon Vangates also leaves behind his near and dear nieces and nephews: LaCheryl (Anthony), Valencia “Niecy,” Gladys, Patricia, George (Gwen) and Robert (Alice). Deacon Vangates is also survived by his former wife, Agnes Vangates.
One thing for sure, Deacon Vangates loved his precious girls, and he was surrounded by them until he quietly left this earthly house and took flight to be with the Lord on Sept. 9, 2022.
