Charles William Cates' Obituary
After a long battle with COPD, Charles William Cates of Longview died suddenly and peacefully in his home on Saturday, December 22, 2012.
Born in Grice, Texas on July 9, 1929, to William Bryan and Ellen Florence Cates, he grew up in Gilmer, Texas. He graduated from Gilmer High School where he was both a member of the football team and the band. He then attended Draughon Business College in Dallas.
In 1952, he married Juanita Porter of Pittsburg, Texas. After living in Gilmer and working for International Harvester for a couple of years, they moved to Longview where he began his over 30 year career as manager of the water department for the City of Longview. He was very proud of his work for the city. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Longview and spent many happy years singing in the choir.
Charles was preceded in death in 2009 by Juanita, his wife of 56 years. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Cates of Longview; his brother, Johnny Cates of Quitman, Texas; and sister, Sara Lancaster of Longview.
A service celebrating Charles's life will be held on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at two O'clock in the afternoon at Rosewood Park Mausoleum located on FM 1844, near its intersection with Judson Road. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from noon to one O'clock Wednesday prior to service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The American Lung Association. www.lung.org
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