Joe is survived by his wife, Jackie Morris Cates; his sons Kelly E. Cates (Cathy) and Jody S. Cates (Kelley); and his grandchildren Casey Cates (Lisa), Johnny Cates (Angel) and Autumn Cates.
Joe was preceded in death by his son John Harland "Little Johnny" Cates; his father John Harlan Cates and his mother Lonie Ella Cates; and his brothers Marion H. Cates, Charles Cates, and Richard Cates.
A visitation for Joe will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mt. Sharon Baptist Church, 6172 Childersburg Fayetteville Hwy, Childersburg, AL 35044, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Joe will be laid to rest in Kahatchie Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Kelly Cates, Jody Cates, Casey Cates, Johnny Cates, Robin Kelley and Mike Polland.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe's memory may be made to Gideon's Camp #9706757 for Bibles.
Joe served in the Marines. He attended Mt. Sharon Baptist Church.He also had a jail ministry for 40 years. The family would like to thank Jana Cooper, Scott Williams, and Southern Care New Beacon Hospice for the love and compassionate care given to Joe.