William (Bill) R. Gatton, 80, of Port Republic, passed away peacefully at home.

Bill served his community in many ways. He was a fire fighter for Port Republic Fire Dept. He was a member of the Nascar Club, attended Beacon Church and oversaw Port Republic Cemetery. Bill loved fishing, hunting and watching sports. He was also a member of the local 322 and worked as a welder by trade.

Bill is predeceased by his mother and father, Mary and Allen Gatton; his sisters, Nita Brown and Elsie Barfoot; and his brothers, John and Bob Gatton.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Paula Gatton (nee Ott); daughters, Melissa (Will) Leding and Danielle (Roger) Walker; grandchildren, Sean Hotlen and Shannon Hotlen (Charles); former son-in-law, Ryan Hotlen and is also loved by many other nieces and nephews.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to the Port Republic Fire Department.