Robert C. Cates
Robert Caston Cates (Bob) of St. Pete Beach, Fla., formerly of Apollo Beach, Fla., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family November 13, 2020, at the age of 79 years after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born March 1941 in Crenshaw, Miss.
Bob was a remarkable man who never met a stranger. His love of life and sense of humor were contagious. He always had a silly joke or song for you whenever you met. Bob had friends from every walk of life and his love for them and his family was immeasurable. Also known as Barbecue Bob, his passion was grilling specialties, such as ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket. He shared the love of barbecue with many friends throughout the years. Bob was also a skilled craftsman whose specialty was designing and installing kitchens and baths. He was a perfectionist and was greatly admired for his workmanship.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Ora Cates; siblings: Alfred Cates, Ruben Cates, Mary Vanlandingham, Brenda Owen; and mother-in-law, Helen Strickland. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Denise Cates; father-in-law, Merle Strickland; sister, Ann Dodds (Doug); children: Jesseca Allen (Tommy), Christopher Cates, Melissa Cates, Kimberly Wilson (Jeff), Lisa Rice (Phil), Jimmy Gambill (Regina), Shelli Brasher (Tom); 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bob was eagerly awaiting the birth of his 13th grandchild in January 2021.
Bob’s memorial service is December 13, 2020, 2 p.m. outdoors, at Simmons Loop Baptist Church in Riverview, Fla. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.
Bob was a remarkable man who never met a stranger. His love of life and sense of humor were contagious. He always had a silly joke or song for you whenever you met. Bob had friends from every walk of life and his love for them and his family was immeasurable. Also known as Barbecue Bob, his passion was grilling specialties, such as ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket. He shared the love of barbecue with many friends throughout the years. Bob was also a skilled craftsman whose specialty was designing and installing kitchens and baths. He was a perfectionist and was greatly admired for his workmanship.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Ora Cates; siblings: Alfred Cates, Ruben Cates, Mary Vanlandingham, Brenda Owen; and mother-in-law, Helen Strickland. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Denise Cates; father-in-law, Merle Strickland; sister, Ann Dodds (Doug); children: Jesseca Allen (Tommy), Christopher Cates, Melissa Cates, Kimberly Wilson (Jeff), Lisa Rice (Phil), Jimmy Gambill (Regina), Shelli Brasher (Tom); 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bob was eagerly awaiting the birth of his 13th grandchild in January 2021.
Bob’s memorial service is December 13, 2020, 2 p.m. outdoors, at Simmons Loop Baptist Church in Riverview, Fla. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.