Dr. Vasa William Cate, Sr.

Dr. Vasa William Cate, Sr., 79, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2022 with family by his side. Dr. Cate was predeceased by his parents, Lt. Millard N. Cate (SLED) and Mary Lou Cate; sisters, Jean Cate and Mary Linda Cate, in addition to his father-in-law, Master Chief Quarter Master (QMCM Retired) William F. “The Chief” Todd, Sr.; mother-in-law, Florrie Bell (Rogers) Todd and his niece, Selena Grace Craig.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda T. Cate; daughters, Kimberly A. Fink (Kelly) of Abilene, KS, Catherine C. Nodar (Jim) of Marietta, GA; son, Vasa W. Cate, Jr. of Forest Acres, SC; grandsons, Mason D. Fink and Austin T. Fink, both of Abilene, KS; his sisters, Gary Ann Greer and Susan C. Cate, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, and his much beloved and faithful companion “Lady”, his Golden Retriever.

Dr. Cate was born December 17, 1942 in Charleston, SC, and was raised in the Dutch Fork area of the Midlands of South Carolina. While attending Columbia High School, he met his wife, Brenda, and they were married June 14, 1963. Dr. Cate completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at USC, attended graduate school at USC, and graduated from The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. While obtaining his education, and to support their young family, Vasa worked in a hot warehouse for C.B. Drug and at the Blood Bank at night while his wife, Brenda, worked in advertising at Kmart and then the newspaper until their first child was born. Dr. Cate completed his medical residency and training while proudly serving on active duty in the US Navy at the Naval Regional Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA. He served an additional three years on active duty at the Navy Regional Medical Center, Charleston, SC, achieving the rank of Lt. Commander before entering the private sector in 1976.

Dr. Cate moved his family back to his roots in Columbia, SC, and was a founding partner of Consultants in Gastroenterology originally located by Lexington Medical Center. He often shared great memories of the medical teams with whom he was proud to work and the unforgettable patients he was privileged to serve. Throughout his career, Dr. Cate served on numerous committees and boards, including USC’s College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors and Alumni Council, The Lexington County Gamecock Club Board, USC’s Gamecock Club Board of Directors and its Foundation Board, the Lexington State Bank Board, and BB&T’s South Carolina Board where he served one term as Chairman.

Per the request of Dr. Cate, a private remembrance and scattering of his ashes will be held at a later date. He would like to be remembered for his devotion to his family, dogs, patients, medical colleagues, friends, the South Carolina Gamecocks, and his country.

In lieu of flowers, memorials made to any of the following are appreciated: Agape House Hospice of Lexington by writing a check or online at https://www.hpcfoundation.org/online; MUSC scholarship fund for physicians or nurses at https://fundraise.musc.edu/give/379294/#!/donation/checkout or https://fundraise.musc.edu/give/379296/#!/donation/checkout (be sure to click on Scholarships); Pawmetto Lifeline or a dog rescue group of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Cate family.