Thomas Edward Ates Jr.

Pastor Emeritus Thomas E. Ates, Jr. is the eldest son of Thomas Edward Ates, Sr. and Alberta Louise (Gooden) Ates, born in Austin, Texas. He attended Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School and Kealing Junior High School before graduating from the former L.C. Anderson High School in Austin, Texas.

Young Thomas dedicated himself to his work alongside his father, the late Thomas Edward Ates, Sr., a respected builder, and contractor known for constructing numerous churches and housing developments in Austin and the surrounding Central Texas area. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became an independent contractor and owner of his own construction company, proudly upholding the family motto: “Ates Has What It Takes.”

Notably, he pursued a career at the Texas Education Agency, where he dedicated thirty years of service to the Office Services Division, supervising three state mailing facilities within the State Printing and Mailing Department. After retiring from the State of Texas, he briefly worked as an estimator for his brother, Ray D. Ates, a contractor. Lastly, he concluded his career with the Boy Scouts of America.

Pastor Emeritus Thomas Edward Ates, Jr. was saved under the leadership of the late Supt. R.A. Grant at the McKinley Heights C.O.G.I.C. in Austin, Texas. He was later ordained as a Deacon and served in this capacity for fifteen years. He accepted the Lord’s commission to preach while serving there and was given the opportunity to serve as local Sunday School Superintendent for many years, Vice President of The Young Adult Choir, and as one of the fourteen Associate Ministers.

Pastor Emeritus Ates was a licensed ordained Elder and Pastor of Taylor Number One C.O.G.I.C., Taylor, Texas for twenty-seven years. He served faithfully as one of the pastors of the Austin District and as District Secretary under Superintendent Paul J. Thompson, within the Texas Southwest Jurisdiction led by the late Bishop S.E. Iglehart. Additionally, he served in the Lone Star District under the late Superintendent Anthony V. Monroe, Sr. and later alongside Superintendent Anthony R. Walker.

Pastor Ates was preceded in death by his beloved wife, District Missionary Mary Ann Ates of fifty-nine years, his parents Thomas Edward Ates, Sr. and Alberta Louise (Gooden) Ates, and his siblings: Marjorie Delores Jones, Brenda Louise Jones, Connie Jean Pickett, and Otis Lavon Ates.

He is survived by two devoted sons, Brian K. Ates (Tara) and Warren K. Ates (Tracy); his godson, Buster Hearne (Cheryl); one brother, Deacon Ray Dean Ates, Sr. (Carolyn); one sister, Jewel Laverne Williams (Frederick); five grandchildren: Corry Russ (Ashley), Brierra Colvin (Jabot’), Ashton Ates, Braxton Ates (Michelle), and Isaiah Ates; ten great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, family, and friends who will cherish his memory.