Robert Earl Gatling's Obituary
Robert Earl Gatling, 60, transitioned to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Woodlawn, Virginia, on November 22nd, 2023.
Robert was born in Ahoskie, North Carolina, on November 13th, 1963, the son of Archie Gatling and Pauline (Smith) Gatling. Robert attended Robert L Van and then graduated from Ahoskie High school, where he played basketball with aspirations of going pro. Unfortunately, an injury led him to discover his interest, skills, and abilities in information technology/financial analysis and eventually he landed a career with the Federal Government at the Department of State Diplomatic Security Department in Northern Virginia. He shares a son with his former high school sweetheart, Lessie. His first wife, Vida, and he share two daughters and his late fiancé, Karen, and he share one daughter.
Robert worked as a Budget Analyst from March 2007 until the day of his transition, marking 16 years of superior Federal service. He lived in Waldorf, Maryland, with two of his daughters. He enjoyed embarking on family vacations as well as day trip outing with his children and grandchildren. He also loved a good in-home movie night with plenty of action and popcorn readily available. His hobbies included playing video games, dining out, traveling, watching sports, and listening to audio books. He regularly attended Lifepoint Church in Waldorf, Maryland pastored by Pastor Michael Rogalski. Robert was also a huge sports fan, cheering on his all-time favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He is survived by his son, Adrian; daughters, Danielle, Jasmine, and Madison; nine grandchildren; his sisters, Annie Mary (Llyod), Mable Renee, Fannie (Michael); brother, Archie (Alice); as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial service will be held at Lasting Tributes Funeral Care, 814 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023, 11am-3pm.
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