HARRY DEE GATEWOOD, II, ESQ.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,

shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, the Gatewood family endured a resounding loss. For, its patriarch, Dr. Harry Dee Gatewood, II, Esq., embraced his heavenly ascent. Affectionately known as "Butch," his resilient power provided peace to many.

Protector, provider, confidant, cousin, advocate, attorney, public servant, peace maker, friend, historian, uncle, brother, grandfather, father, and son – all sing to the richness of his character. Moreover, Big Harry was a wonderful husband. For nearly forty years of marriage, he was lovingly committed to his wife, DeAutry.

Keep in mind, this type of individual is incredibly rare. It's evident that God took extra time to cultivate Harry's character. So, back on January 10, 1954, Okmulgee, Oklahoma welcomed a new son! Here, both Harry Dee Gatewood, I and Johnnie Mae (née Davis) Gatewood, were entrusted with the gift of becoming his parents.

From this foundation, arose an unyielding love for the Lord. During his formative years Harry accepted Christ. Perhaps, it was the frequent trips to church with his paternal grandfather, John Bennett Davis, which helped to solidify an eternal devotion to God.

Being, submerged in the Word, allowed Harry the opportunity to put God first. From this tenet, he earned adoration and respect from his family and his friends. As Harry continued to grow, into the man he would eventually become, his core always remained unwavering.

During his youth, the United States was consumed with social unrest. Radical political ideals, challenged entrenched social norms, and on a constant basis animosity was experienced. While some, only witnessed a televised account, Harry Dee, II would personally encounter the Change.

At Tulsa's, Bishop Kelley, Harry began his high school matriculation. This same year of 1968, the U.S. begrudgingly passed the landmark, Civil Rights Act. However, enlightenment and acrimony are well-versed lovers.

Meanwhile, as the country, continued to experience acrid events, Harry's integrity exponentially grew. While, sordid backdrops of Vietnam carnage shocked viewers, it was the familiar sights of domestic terrorism, which led the country to necessary changes. De-segregation, busing, and school integration were integral parts of Harry's high school tenure.

Correspondingly, Harry remained on the frontlines of Change. Together with, his consistent actions and emphatic presence, it was his innate kindness that always resonated. At the height, of this shifting paradigm, Harry ran a successful Student Council campaign.

Naturally, Harry's peers elected the best candidate to serve. Furthermore, he broke ground embarking as the first African-American, chosen to become Bishop Kelley's Student Council President. Be that as it may, before the end of his freshman year, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

Although, the country lost an iconic civil rights leader – a person Butch both admired and respected – he became emboldened by the change he yearned to witness. With this, Harry was determined to achieve greatness. And, that he did.

From there, he never looked back. So, in 1972, upon graduation from Bishop Kelley – with honors – he went on to attend the University of Oklahoma (O.U.). As a matter of fact, in the '50's – at this same locale -- while successfully pursuing their graduate degrees (albeit, in a Segregated atmosphere), his parents initially met and eventually fell in love.

Needless to say, while studying hard, he proved to fortify his legacy while distinguishing his future. Throughout his evolution, as an undergrad, an array of organizations celebrated his presence. For example, his memberships included the following: O.U. President's Leadership Class Pi Sigma Alpha; National Political Science Honor Society; Dean's Honor Roll; Political Science Lab Assistant/Teacher; O.U. Alpha Phi Alpha, Zeta Zeta Chapter President (along with being elected as Assistant Vice President of the Southwest Region of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc.).

Accordingly, in 1976, Harry earned his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Public Policy; Administration Specialization. If, there's anything else to mention, it's that Harry was merely getting started. From here, he went on to attend the historical Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C.

With this in mind, while attending Howard University School of Law, many rites-of-passage were experienced. Of course, this rising star began to shine more brightly. Soon, the eager Mr. Gatewood amassed even more acclaim. As the young man received a United States Congressional Legal Internship, with the Honorable Tom Steed, M.C. (4-Okla.) 95 th Congress, House of Representatives.

Moving ahead to 1979, the illustrious academic graduated in the Upper-Third of Class, receiving his Juris Doctor Degree in Public Law & Procedure Specialization. Soon after, Dr. Gatewood, Esq., became licensed to practice before the Oklahoma Supreme Court and various federal and state administrative agencies.

At the same time, Big Harry worked diligently to assist a span of Oklahoma residents. As, he became licensed to practice before the U.S. District Court of Western Oklahoma; licensed to practice law by the U.S. Court of Appeals (10 th Circuit) and has been a member of the American Bar Association; Oklahoma Bar Association; Oklahoma County Bar Association and Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

All things considered, on the professional front, Harry had the traits of a High Value Man. However, Proverbs 18:22, states, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord." While enriching his spiritual roots – at church – a transformative event occurred.

God granted him favor. Harry met Miss DeAutry Grizzard. Over the course of time, she later became his "Sweet Thing" and gracefully became his loving wife. This mix of sweet love brought the birth of their eldest son, Harry Dee Gatewood, III (Trae) and later they were blessed with their youngest son, Jesse Jolee Gatewood.

As time passed, when Jesse married Avery, the family again grew. Following, the birth of the first grandchild, Aileigh Dae Gatewood, encompassing joy and laughter were ever-present. Even, as Harry purchased a "man cave / play house" and began mapping out his plans for the, "Gatewood Amusement Park."

So, after Trae married Kelly, and became a devoted dad to Aiden, the Gatewood clan then realized its completeness. Accordingly, the same sense of duty he shared with his family, was invested into his life's passion of serving his greater community. Needless to say, to his fullest capacity, the Gentle Giant dutifully gave back to Oklahoma.

Furthermore, Harry, served as a member of the Oklahoma County Foster Care Review Board; Board Member, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Oklahoma City; Board Member, Divine Guidance Assembly of Faith Church; provided access to courts on behalf of Legal Aid of Western Oklahoma's Pro Bono Panel and the Oklahoma University Faculty Council on Awards & Honors; member of the Oklahoma City Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P., as well as working to conceptualize and bring to fruition the Lennie Marie Tolliver Alternative Care Center.

Still, to help empower the youth, Dr. Gatewood, Esq., strived to share his knowledge and his time. Harry taught high school courses at ASTEC Charter High School in Oklahoma City, Harrah High School and Okmulgee High School. During the summer of 1997, he began to serve as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Administrative Concepts in Law Enforcement; Criminal Investigations; Prison Administration, and Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement at Langston University Urban Center.

Regardless of his accomplishments, Butch believed in the construct of assisting others. Before D. Gatewood, began his private law practice, in which he accomplished work on criminal and civil matters -- and obtained and/or collected favorable judgements against large to moderate domestic corporations on behalf of clients -- he worked as a Specialist for the State of Oklahoma, Department of Human Services as a Consultant on Federal Legislation, Research & Development.

Utilizing his keen insight, he successfully installed Agency "Federal Legislative / Regulatory Tracking System" and proposed adoption of a "Federal Fiscal Planning System." Not to mention, these combined systems helped cause federal funding earned to annually grow from $331 million to $950 million.

By embracing any challenge, he thrived in the atmosphere of helping others. Harry later worked as an Administrative Officer, for the State of Oklahoma, Office of Juvenile Affairs in which he facilitated the development of a successful $1.2 million federal grant award and a $112 thousand grant award from the Oklahoma District Attorney's Council.

To say, Big Harry had a full life is a resounding understatement. Even now, he is definitely catching up with those who preceded his transition. It is certain, his maternal grandmother, Pearl V. Davis, whom he adored is there, along with his grandfather John B. Davis, to show him the way around God's mighty kingdom.

By the same token, his brother John Gatewood, I, surely met him and said, "'Man, I beat you here!'" His baby brother, Frederick Gatewood, welcomed him with a fist bump. While, his big cousins Beverly Carol Parsons-Johnson ("BC") and Richard William Parsons, Jr., both embraced him along with his cousin, Dale Hervey. His Aunty Cleo (née Davis) Phelps, Dr. Ira (née Davis) Trail Adams and Mary (née Gatewood) Griffin were both happy to see him. His Uncle's Alton Davis, Connie Mack Gatewood, Danny Gatewood, and Clarence Tunley are greeting him along with his paternal grandparents, Daniel Gatewood, Mattie (née Little) Gatewood and Juanita Gatewood.

Undoubtedly, Harry loved his family; he, was always thinking of ways to show love and kindness. Left behind is Harry's loving mother-in-law, Helen (née Jackson) Grizzard; sisters-in-law, Rita Grizzard; Elaine Johnson (Donald); Eletha Burkhalter (Marcus) and brothers-in-law, Garnett Burkhalter (Azellia); Stanley Lyons and Deno Grizzard along with a host of nieces and nephews. In-laws who have passed are Ray Vaughn Baker; Elvra Lee; Al Grizzard and Ronnie Grizzard.

Most importantly, this gentle giant's profound kindness will be forever missed. He leaves behind his wife DeAutry Gatewood; his son's Harry Gatewood, III (Kelly); Dr. Jesse Jolee Gatewood (Avery); grandchildren Aileigh Dae Gatewood and Aiden; baby sister, Marjorie Bostic and sister-in-law Armru Gatewood; nieces, Katherine Nicole Gatewood, and Stephanie Pearl (née Gatewood) Armstead; nephews, John Gatewood, II; Clarence Gatewood; Eric Bostic, Jr. and Evan Vincent Bostic; great nieces Erika Gatewood, and Imani Green; great nephews, Xavier Jones and Jeremy Armstead, Jr.; cousins Norman Johnson; Brandon Smith; Barrett Johnson; Waridi Parsons and Taylor Parsons, along with a host of other family and friends.

Ultimately, as asserted by John Lewis, from his Me moir, " Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America" ) "Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is not some enchanted garden perched high on a distant plateau where we can finally sit down and rest. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society."

Henceforth, the surviving family and friends are tasked with reinforcing the passion of Dr. Harry Dee Gatewood, II, Esq.'s fight for freedom and for access. Moving forward, accept the challenge to serve the Lord, to live freely and to love deeply!

Dr. Harry Dee Gatewood, II, Esq., transitioned from Earth to Everlasting memory on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

A Graveside Ceremony will be shared on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 12:00 Noon in the Warrior Cemetery, west of Checotah, Oklahoma.  Reverend Marcus Burkhalter, Pastor of Historic First Baptist Church of Fort Gibson, will Officiate.

You may visit Brother Gatewood, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Wednesday, between the hours of 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.