Billy R Cates

He married JoAnn Martin Cates on May 6, 1955 and they had three children. The most important thing he had was his family.

A carpenter by trade, Poppa loved working with his hands. He was talented and enjoyed creating things of beauty from wood. Before his health began deteriorating, he was always working on some project in the shop. He was an intelligent and a strong-willed man. He served his country with the Army National Guard.

To his friends, he was a very kind person and always willing to help. He always had a solution to every problem. He was a very generous man and never wanted to be acknowledged for anything he did. When he helped, he simply helped. Mr. Cates was a deacon and life-long member of O'Quinn Baptist Church.

No words can describe the deep loss we feel, but his memory and love will live in our hearts forever.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, JoAnn Martin Cates; daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Ken Cook of El Campo; son, Marty Cates of Lufkin; grandchildren, Kevin Cates, David Slaughter, Kalvin Cates, Cassie Cates, Michael Marler, Brandy Cates, and Brittany Cates; brothers, Joe Cates, James Cates, Doug Cates and Bobby Cates; a life-long friend/brother, Norman Terry, and a number of other family members.

He was preceded in death by his son, Billy Joe Cates; daughter-in-law, Denise Cates; and brother, Donnie Cates.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Cates and Deacons of O'Quinn Baptist Church.

Services for Mr. Cates will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 9, 2011 in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. James Bickley and Bro. Chris George officiating. Interment will follow in the Gann Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home