Jeffrey “Jeff” William Cates

Published 2:31 pm Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Jeffrey “Jeff” William Cates, devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, father-in-law, papaw, boss, and friend, took the hand of an angel and went to heaven on Monday, November 4, 2024. His memory and legacy will live on.

Jeff was born to Carl William Cates and Norma Nell Lowe Cates 65 years ago in Elizabethton, Tenn. He was a member and former Deacon of East River Park Christian Church in Elizabethton.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Regina Cates of the home in Elizabethton; son, Joshua William Cates, wife, Veronica, and grandson, Oliver William Cates, Knoxville; his mother, Nell, brother, Greg, nephew, Chris (Brandi), niece, Marti Cates of Elizabethton; several cousins, their spouses and families: June, Lois, Joyce Heaton; Lisa and Larry Calhoun; Sandy, Denise, Jane, John Carter and their families; and descendants of the Lowe Family from Butler.

Jeff’s ‘mother’-in-law, Roma Greenwell of Hampton, and his ‘sister’-in-law, Robin Strickland, husband Bill, and special pet friend Lacey of Gray, and his extended family of Love, Glenn, Kay, Tyler, Shelby, Pete, Luke, Craig, Leigh, Judah, and Cody Shaw of Elizabethton.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Carl Cates, his ‘father’-in-law, Louie Greenwell; and all his aunts and uncles in the Cates and Lowe Family Lineage.

Two Special long-term friends, Brian Montgomery and ___Pickle.

While in High School, Jeff was a member of the Betsy Marching Band and the Jazz Band. He played several instruments including the trumpet, bass guitar, and piano. Jeff enjoyed the Science/Environmental Club hikes and camping trips. He was also active in the Boy Scouts and a member of the Elizabethton Aviation Explorer Post 35. He also became a licensed pilot and worked flying canceled checks from local banks for processing.

After graduating from Elizabethton High School, Jeff continued his education at ETSU. In 1981, he earned a degree, with a double major, in Business Management and Computer Science.

Jeff grew up working in his family business, Cates Music Center and Commercial Sound, Inc. He later managed daily operations/sales and the Commercial Sound Division. Jeff was also a partner in a Stage-Line Stage. Many people know him from providing sound reinforcement at several popular annual area events such as the Blue Plum Festival, Rhythm and Roots, UMOJA Unity Festival, Storytelling, Johnson City Symphony, Little Chicago, Pepsi Fourth of July Fireworks, concerts, graduations, etc. Jeff had a great relationship with his clients and patrons of the music store. Jeff, like his father Carl, always appreciated the talents and diversity of those with whom he did business.

Jeff enjoyed spending time with his extended family. Gatherings almost always consisted of good food, lots of talking, laughing and games or fun of some kind. Watauga Lake was a special place for relaxing, riding jet skis, boating, wakeboarding, floating, grilling, and eating.

In later years, Jeff started riding bikes on area rail trails in TN, VA, NC, and GA. He always enjoyed a bike ride on the beach.

So many special people have helped Jeff during his illness in so many ways, and we want to thank each and every one! While we are sure to miss some, the following have a special place in our hearts and lives:

Josh, Veronica and Oli moved from CA to live with us temporarily to help and to give Jeff the opportunity to spend four months with his grandson. That was a priceless gift to “Papaw”!

Roma (mother of heart) took Jeff to his OT appointments if Regina had to work, helped around the house, and moved in to help care for him in the last year of life. She did everything she could around the house from cleaning, laundry, feeding or sitting and talking to Jeff. She made sure he always had a supply of his favorite chocolate ice cream from Freddy’s. She never failed to tell him she loved him before she went to bed each night. Even after talking became difficult, he would always smile.

Robin (sister of heart) made untold number of foods, desserts, and special treats to tempt him to eat well. She drove us to all Jeff’s appointments at Duke. She ran errands, delivered groceries, helped with house and landscaping, and kept Jeff laughing. She visited several times per week assisting in moving him from bed to chair, feeding, and anything else that needed to be done.

Both Roma and Robin took turns relieving Regina during the two months Jeff was in the hospital, as well as the months during Hospice Care so that he always had someone with him. They both showed the true meaning of a loving family.

Thanks to Nancy Greenlee, Nancy Lipford, Ginger and Tony Deloach, Kay, Glenn, Craig, Tyler, Leigh, and Shelby Shaw for their unwavering support in many ways. Sherri and (the late) Brian Montgomery and Jordan for stepping up and helping out at Watauga Lake after Jeff was unable to drive. Thanks also to the Smith Family and others on Big Oak Drive. Thanks to our wonderful neighbors in Elizabethton with special recognition to Ed and Kathy Jordan, Robert and Leslie Luttrell, Jeff and Bernice, and The Kopp family. Also, a big thank you to friends, family, and co-workers of Jeff and Regina for all the acts of caring and kindness you have shown.

A huge and heartfelt thanks to Diane Dugger, caregiver extraordinaire! Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude for her loving care of Jeff for the past 19 months.

We felt very blessed to have the following medical professionals involved in the care of Jeff: Dr. Kenneth Hopland, Medical Care of Elizabethton, Dr. Scott Allen Strine, Duke University Neurology, Dr. Dingler, Neurologist, Johnson City. A special thank you to Dr. Lindsey Williams, OT, who worked diligently with Jeff to help him maintain a high level of functioning as he lost his visual acuity and perception. She always went above and beyond. In our opinion, she and several intern students were critical assets in maintaining his quality of life. Dr. Justin Smith, (the late) Dr. Danny Smith, and Glenn at Physical Therapy Services, Elizabethton, were a great team with which to work.

Doctor Smith and the ER Nurses at Sycamore Shoals Hospital and the Doctors and Nurses at JCMC ER and ICU units as well as the 2400 Hall were wonderful in their care of Jeff.

Thanks to the many people we came into contact with during the year we were with Amedisys Hospice Care; the many nurses, Chaplains (Chris and Matt), social workers, office staff, and Ms. Sue (volunteer). A special thank you to Rosie Randall, she was always such a great representative of kindness and caring. Nurse Josh Finney was invaluable to us; very dedicated to patient care, dependable, and such an asset. To Ariel, Hannah, Heather and the other nurses we extend our greatest thanks.

A Service to Celebrate the life of Jeff will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, November 8, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with Pastor Matt Eden and Pastor Chris Hughes officiating. Interment will follow at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m. Friday, prior to the service. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Cates family.