Randy Cates

Randy was a graduate of Southside High School and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing. Randy spoke fondly of his high school days, playing basketball with his buddies and listening and dancing to his favorite 70s music. He enjoyed trips to the beach and Branson with his family. Randy & Missy took delight in their weekends doing yardwork and spending time with their kids and grandkids. Randy spent his career in the IT sector, eventually retiring as CIO of Golden Living Enterprises. Retirement only lasted for a few months, when he was called to serve as Administrator at his home church of First Baptist Church Fort Smith. He was always the go to, for anything having to do with computers and technology and the yearly reader of the Christmas story for his family.

Randy was proceeded in death by his father, Robert De Huff Cates. Randy is survived by his wife Melissa Cates of 41 years, his mother and stepfather - Rita & Tom Gray, his siblings; Rob Cates and wife Kathy, Rodney Cates, Rhonda Voydat, Ronald Cates and wife Candy, and his three children; Paul Cates, Rebekah Travis and husband Jordan Travis, and Addie French and husband Terry English. He was a proud “Poppi” to four grandchildren – Aubrey French, Ezra Travis, Everly Travis, and Layla Travis.

Memorial Service will be 11 AM Thursday, August 29, 2024 at First Baptist Church under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends, one hour prior to the service, from 10 AM – 11 AM.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com