Cecil Bryan Cate of Chattanooga, TN and Santa Rosa Beach, FL, left this life peacefully and surrounded by his family on July 29, 2023. Born in Covington, KY on November 22, 1939, Cecil was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He brought laughter, adventure, determination and love to all of those blessed enough to be in his life.
Cecil’s life and impact on those he loved was shaped by his strength and perseverance, strong work ethic, deep Catholic faith, sharp sense of humor, and abiding kindness and loyalty. He loved spending time with his family, telling stories and laughing, boating and fishing, playing tennis and being active, dancing and music, and cooking and sharing a meal with those he loved. He never met a stranger and had a zest for life that brought fun to nearly every situation and made him a beloved friend to many.
A graduate of Thomas Moore University in Crestview Hills, KY, Cecil worked hard nearly his entire life. He was a successful food service salesman for more than 30 years and was also a former police officer and City Councilman in Ludlow, KY. He was a lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church and most recently was a member and usher at Resurrection Catholic Church in Miramar Beach, FL and previously St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Hixson, TN.
Cecil is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Lester Cate and Helen Bauer Cate of Newport, KY, his brother Jerry Cate of Fort Thomas, KY and his wife Beverly Cate of Ludlow, KY and Chattanooga, TN.
He is survived by his five children, Mark Cate of Houston, TX, Mary Debord (Mike) of Hixson, TN, Mitchell Cate (Nicole) of Hixson, TN, Michelle Harte (Kevin) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL and Molly Cate of Nashville, TN, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his loving caregiver, partner in crime and best friend of the past year, Tyler Henry of Rossville, GA, and his sisters, Barbara Aichele of Cincinnati, OH, Carolyn Menning (Darryl) of Dayton, KY, Jean Cate of Fort Thomas, KY and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.
His family sends their deepest gratitude and appreciation to his dedicated caregivers at Hospice of Chattanooga and Story Point Assisted Living. Together, they loved him, cared for him, and shared their gifts, patience and hard work with him.
Visitation will be Friday August 4th from 5 – 8 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home - North Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Hixson, TN on Saturday August 5th at 11 a.m.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
