Retha Dale Cates

December 16, 1952 - October 9, 2016

Mr. Retha Dale Cates, age 63, husband of Nancy Cates, and a resident of Williamsport, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2016 at his residence.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Pastor Bobby Cates officiating. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 12-2PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on December 16, 1952 in Maury County, Dale was the son of the late Dewey Z. McKonniko Cates and the late Lillie May Baker Cates. He enjoyed attending Mission Chapel Baptist Church in Hickman County where he was a member. In his younger days, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Dale loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and he had a special love for his puppies: Mia, Noodles, and Buster.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years: Nancy Randolph Cates of Williamsport; children: Johnny Lee Cates of Williamsport, Kellie Suzanne Ruiz of Summertown; brother: Bobby (Debbie Jean) Cates of Columbia; grandchildren: Ethan Kennedy, Andrew Cates, Ashlee Cates (Timmy) Endsley, Jacob Potts, Justin Potts, Rebecca Cates, Ryan Cates; and great grandchildren: Maddison Endlsey and Emma Cates.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son: Steven Dale Cates; grandson: Robert Cates; great grandchild: Sandra Ann Collins Cates; brothers: Velton, Velvis, Gene, Billy, and Harold Cates; and sisters: Opal Cates, Dorothy “Dot” Chapman, Shirley Ketchum, and Brenda Gail Cates.

Dale’s grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.