Gary Charles Cates

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Gary Charles Cates, 76, passed from this troubled world into the perfect sunlight and peace of Jesus' loving arms on January 28, 2025.

Gary was born on September 18th, 1948 in Perryton, Texas to Floyd Charles (Slim) Cates and Mary (Ondracek) Cates. He grew up in Spearman, Texas, which was always his home, even after he had moved away. He graduated from Spearman High School in 1967. Following his active and fulfilling high school years of football, tennis, track and band, he attended Texas Tech University, obtaining an engineering degree. After graduating with honors, he decided to return to Spearman where he worked with his parents as they ran their local business, Cates Men And Boys Inc., for many years. When his parents retired, Gary continued leading the business and grew it to a second store location in Perryton, Texas.

Gary married Pamela Sue Stewart in 1980 and took Pamela's daughter, Amber, as his own. The family was further blessed with the birth of their son, Cary in 1983. Gary raised his children in Spearman, always enjoying, attending and celebrating their activities and successes.  He was a loving and supportive father who was very proud of his children. He was faithful to and active in their 1st United Methodist Church home.

Gary was a Renaissance man with many varying interests including stained glass work, bowling, golfing, disco dancing, drawing, bodybuilding, wood working and computer. He plied all of his interests and talents well and was generous with sharing his time and expertise with others. His heart was kind and his greatest joy was making people laugh and creating happiness with his humor. With 9/11 as a catalyst, Gary decided to make a complete life change. He sold his clothing store in Spearman and he and Pamela moved to Denton, Texas. Gary found enjoyment in working in the transportation area of hospitality, including being one of the original 12 limousine drivers for the brand-new Gaylord Texan Hotel.

Upon retirement, Gary enjoyed having time to travel and was able to take multiple tours and cruises. His favorites included his tour of Italy and the Rocky Mountaineer train tour through beautiful Canadian vistas and Lake Banff. He delighted in his beautiful granddaughters Kimber and Grace and enjoyed his constant companion dachshunds. He had time to golf and had a special bonding with his Friday golf buddies who were so good to him and helped and included him even as his dementia robbed him of so many of his capabilities. He rooted faithfully for his Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys and Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Gary is survived by his wife Pamela, his children: Amber and husband Paul Hartley, Cary and wife Maritza Cates, granddaughters Kimber and Grace Cates, sister Sherry and husband Bill Partridge, three nieces and two nephews. He's preceded in death by his parents.

The family would also like to give heartfelt and genuine thanks for the compassionate care and love shown to them at this time by the staff of Arcy Hospice, with special thanks to Drue, Donna, Jenn and to nurse Selena.

A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11th at 2:o'clock in the chapel at the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home at 602 Lindsay St., Gainesville, TX. There will be informal visitation of family and friends both before (1:00) and after the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please make a memorial contribution to the Dementia Society of America or to Alzheimer's research.

Please place flower orders directly through a local florist.

https://www.geojcarroll.com/florists