Mr. Kates founded Water Systems, Inc., of West Columbia, 35 years ago. He was very well known in the environmental services industry and loved interacting with his customers and colleagues. He loved spending time with his grandkids and enjoyed racing, RV’ing and bluegrass music.
Mr. Kates is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandra Davis Kates of West Columbia; daughter, Linda M. Boatwright of Batesburg; son, Jack “Jay” W. Kates, Jr. of Columbia; grandchildren, Carson Boatwright, Kendall Boatwright, Emma Smith, Ethan Kates, Ellie Kates and sister, Carolyn Maiden of Greensboro, NC.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, West Columbia Chapel, with entombment to follow in Southland Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to WEASC Capital District Scholarship, PO Box 2255, Lexington, SC 29071.
