Obituary of William Cates

William Robert Cates Jr. (Billy Bob) died Wednesday, February 20, 2019 surrounded by his family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Bill was born in Krum, Texas on November 4, 1926 to Bill and Mary Anne (Mamie) Cates.  He spent his formative years in Decatur, Texas -- a place that remained special to him all his life.  He served in the US Army Air Corp in France at the end of WW2.  He was a priviate pilot and had a life long passion for flying.  Bill inherited a love of music from his mother, a strong work ethic from his father.

A graduate of North Texas State Universiy, Bill spent 38 years working for Texaco in Sales and Marketing in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahama.  After retiring from Texaco, he spent another 25 years selling avaiation fuels for Superior Fuels and Lubricants.

When Bill was not working, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends in Decatur and hunting and fishing with his children and buddies from Texaco.

Bill is pre-deceased by his precious son Dino, the mother of his children Novella Cadelly Cates, his siblings Betty Jean Cates Hill, Mary John Cates Fleming and Joseph (Joe) Cates.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch in Amarillo, Texas.

There will be a private burial for family at Oaklawn Cemetary in Decatur, Texas on Sunday, November 24th.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Linda, son Kevin Cates and wife Lori, daughter Karen Cates Mayes and husband Michael, his step-son Darrell Hanson and wife Debra, and step-daughter Donna Hanson Stubblefield and husband Jim, his beloved grand childern Harrison, Connor, Sarah, Amber, Shawnee, Spenser, Haley, Jacob, Calven and great grandchid Luke.