LITTLETON – John C. Gates, Jr., 72, of Littleton, formerly of Concord, died Sunday, October 13, 2013 at his Littleton home. Born in Concord on April 19, 1941, he was the son of the late John C. Gates Sr. and Marion A. (Engebretson) Gates. He attended Concord public schools, served in the Massachusetts National Guard during the 1960's and in 1965 was appointed Firefighter for the Town of Acton. For many years, prior to his retirement, Mr. Gates was the owner and operator of John's Auto Body Shop in Acton. A longtime resident of Littleton, he was a volunteer for the Littleton Senior Work Program where he was the Thrift Shop's right hand man. He was an avid NASCAR racing enthusiast and worked on the pit crew at the Thompson International Speedway in Connecticut. He enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, mowing his neighbor's lawns and snow blowing their driveways. Survivors include two daughters, Cynthia L. Gates of Littleton and Sharon L. Woodward and her husband Patrick of Groton, 3 grandchildren, Sean Nestor Jr. of Littleton, Jessica Woodward and Allisha Woodward, both of Groton, a sister, Judy M. Sharpe of New Sharon, Maine and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Robert B. Gates. Arrangements are under the care of the Dee Funeral Home of Concord. To share a remembrance in Mr. Gates guest book, visit www.deefuneralhome.com. Service: A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 17th at 11 AM in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Bedford Street, Concord.