Born in 1925, Gates Sr. grew up in Bremerton, Washington, where his parents owned a furniture store.
Wuxuu dhashay 1925, Gates Sr. wuxuu ku koray magaalada Bremerton, ee gobolka Washington, halkaas oo waalidkiis ay ku lahaayeen dukaan lagu iibiyo alaabta guryaha (Furniture).