Joshua Garner Cates

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Joshua Garner Cates, affectionately known as "Joshie Moto”, on October 3, 2024. Born on August 5, 2004, Josh lived with a heart as big as his smile and left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Josh was known for his gentle spirit and loving nature. He was the sweetest soul and had a gift for making everyone feel special, always offering a warm hug to greet or say goodbye. His goofy and sometimes aggravating charm was matched by a strong sense of loyalty, kindness, and respect. Josh was the kind of young man who would open doors for strangers and make sure his loved ones always felt cherished. He carried himself with a quiet confidence, offering a firm handshake and a sincere smile that reflected his big heart.

To those who knew him, Josh was more than just a friend or family member; he was a beloved character with many nicknames. His family lovingly called him "Joshie Moto”, a name that Josh took on with pride. His gamer friends knew him as "ChipsAhooy”, while his mother called him her "freckled-faced strawberry" and "Little Bear”. His fiancée, Makayla, called him "Bear Bear”, and among close family, he was known simply as "Suds”.

Josh was a hard worker who found joy in the outdoors, the thrill of riding his motorcycle, and the camaraderie of online gaming with his friends. His adventurous spirit took him around the world, where he created precious memories alongside his fiancée, Makayla, who was the love of his life.

Josh was preceded in death by his beloved grandfathers, Eddie Potter (Nanu), Larry Clark, and Gerald Potter, as well as his dear aunt Sherry Potter, whose memory he held close.

He is survived by a loving family who will forever miss him: his parents, Laurie Potter Cates and Joseph Cates; his fiancée, Makayla Caloway; his grandparents, James and Sonja Purcell, and Barbara Clark; his great-grandmother, Lillian Potter; and his brothers, Jaiden Cates and Chase Cates. Josh also leaves behind aunts and uncles who adored him: Tressa Potter (Tyler, Lillie, Greyson), (Elijah), Eric and Angela Householder (Cainan, Eden, Archer), Scott and Stephanie Zurcher (Lakely, Lincoln), Mark and Jennifer Kemp (Gwen, Meghan, Christopher), and Michael Clark. His extended family includes great aunts and uncles Vaden Potter (Vagen, Scott, Drake, Brina), (Douglas, Harper), Jerry Potter (Kevin, Farrah), Billy Potter, Teresa and Tim Julian, Jeff Potter, Marcia Vogt (Melissa, Pamela, Greg), Greg and Peggy Belcher (Ashley, Avari, Walter, Kashdynne), all of whom will carry his memory in their hearts.

Josh loved BIG, and his love will continue to live on in all the lives he touched. His laughter, his warm hugs, and his joyful presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever remain a source of comfort and inspiration to those who knew and loved him.

Rest in peace, dear Joshua. You will forever be our "Joshie Moto”.

A celebration of life will be held on October 10, 2024, at 4:00 pm at River John's (4134 Cave Mill Rd, Maryville, TN 37804). Please join us for the services or drop in at any time to give your condolences.

Online condolences may be left at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Cates family.