Grafton Gates Gatling transitioned Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. A public viewing is from 1 to 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20, in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel. A celebration of life is at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home Inc. The Rev. Dr. Linwood Boone is delivering the message of comfort. Mr. Gatling is to be laid to rest in Gatling Cemetery, 579 Saunders Road, Gates, NC 27937. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home Inc.