He was born in Atlanta, Georgia and his family moved to Bradenton when he was a young boy. Mr. Cates loved the outdoors; he loved fishing and camping. Mr. Cates was a Baptist and retired from the Manatee County Highway Department where he served for 35 years as a mechanic and was well respected by his co-workers.
He was preceded in death by his mother Harriette Ann Singleton, father Harvey Leon Cates, step-father Elmer (Pop) Langford, sisters Wilma and Ada, and brothers Leon Cates and George Kegg. He is survived by daughters Andre Cates of Port Charlotte, Anita Cates of Ruskin, Alexandria Rudolf Cates of South Carolina, son James Cates, Jr. of Bradenton, sisters Marie Wengerd and Margaret Carter of Bradenton, and brother Morris Cates of Sarasota, seven grandchildren and twenty nieces and nephews, and special friends Kevin Wiley, Luckner Petit and Sam Casimir. He loved and lived for his children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4–6:00 pm, Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at the Oneco First Baptist Church with Funeral Services at 6:00 pm Tuesday at the Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Manasota Memorial Park and Funeral Home.
