Bernard Wayne Johnson, 70, passed away Friday, December 2, 2022 at home surrounded by love. Born to Lorraine McKenney and Richard Gately, he was a longtime Newport News resident but considered himself a Hamptonian. He worked for Gately Communications for 45 years where he accomplished many great things and he always emitted positivity and love to anyone who knew him.

Survivors include his sisters, Terri Lee Gately of Hampton, Della Mae Meadows of Pine Knot, KY, and Linda Saunders (Bobby) of Monroe, VA; a special niece, Kristin (Terrill) of Hampton; very good friends, Rob Oudit and Kate Lawrence; as well as a host of dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10:00 AM, Friday, December 9, 2022 in the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home chapel. The family will receive friends from 6-7pm Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Sentara Hospice or the American Cancer Society.