MSgt (Retired) Gary Wayne Cates, age 67, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Alive Hospice in Murfreesboro. Gary was born in Smyrna, Tennessee to the late Charles and Betty Malone Cates.
He is survived by his wife, Ava J. McGonigal Cates; sons, Jeremy Cates, Maxwell Cates and Jeremy Madson; daughter, Kristine Madson; grandchildren, Chance, Kyle and Derrick Cates, DeJaneira Ganley-Madson and Ann Elise Madson; great grandson, Leon Madson; siblings, Sue Lehew and her husband Wendell, Kim Frye and her husband Lary, Charles Cates and his wife Stephanie and James Cates and his wife Lorinda. He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Cates.
Gary proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he retired after 20 years of service. He was also an IT specialist for the State of Tennessee Department of the Treasury and an avid gun collector.
Gary’s family will celebrate him privately as per his wishes.
