Ronald Lawrence Cates

Ronald Lawrence Cates passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on August 23, 2021 at the age of 75. He was born in Houston,TX. on August 30,1945 to Robert Lawrence and D. Cates and was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Daniel G. Cates.

Ronnie was a graduate of San Jacinto High School. Highly respected for his skill and work ethic, he worked as an Exploration Technologist for Amoco Oil for 32 years, retiring in 1999. Ronnie was a man of action, known by many as a hard working "jack of all trades". He enjoyed manual labor and would often spend hours in his workshop; listening to country music while repairing cars and equipment, and he took so much pride in maintaining his lawn. Memories and funny stories were his favorite takeaway from all of the trips he took with his friends. He was a solid family man and enjoyed patio grilling, classic cars, fishing and watching westerns; an interest he acquired and shared with his Grandpa Cates.

Among his other talents, the most significant of which was in music; singing, songwriting, and playing the guitar. Ronnie bought his first guitar when he was 15 and taught himself to play. He could sing like Elvis Presley. He formed and fronted a band in 1961, named it RC and the Colas, and played gigs around Houston before settling down. He built himself a music studio and continued to write and record music, a hobby he loved to share with friends and family. He never turned down a chance to sing karaoke and made fans wherever he sang.

Ronnie is survived by his wife of 54 years, Caren, son, Clint Cates, daughter, Cori Cates, granddaughter, Skyler Cates and grandson, Slade Cates, sister, Sandy Wolk and husband, James and numerous nieces and nephews.

We will all miss his laugh, his smile, his humor, his stories and his pitch-perfect voice, which has been added to the choir of angels. We won't miss him forever, for those who are in Christ will be together again one day.