Rudy Cates, 88, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018 in Graham. Funeral was held 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Pioneer Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Rudy was born Dec. 2, 1929 in Young County to the late Jack and Bertha (Wooldridge) Cates. Rudy married Jarene Kee April 21, 1950 in Newcastle. He worked as a painter and paint contractor for many years. Rudy played the piano for his church for several years.

He loved his family especially his Lisa Diane, who he put on a pedestal because she was special to him. Rudy was a member of Morningside Baptist Church where he loved to attend and hear the gospel preached. Rudy worked hard at what he did and provided for his family.

Survivors include his wife, Jarene Cates of Graham; daughter, Lisa Diane Cates of Graham; sons, Wayne Cates of Las Cruces, N.M., Curtis Cates of Jacksboro and Wendell Cates of Corpus Christi; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Rudy was preceded in death by a grandson, Bobby Wayne Cates, and a brother, James Cates.