George Oscar Cate, Jr. of South Pittsburg, TN has been a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, while becoming a noted personality within the community.
Mr. Cate was preceded in death by his parents, George Oscar Cate, Sr. and Ann Palmer Cate; his wife, Eva Brown Cate, his brother, Larry Cate and two sisters, Francis Cate Reynolds and Shirley Cate McNew.
He is survived by His son, Stephen Todd Cate; Daughter, Janice Louise Cate (Phillip Lee) May; Grandchildren, David Lee May and Barbara Louise May; Brother-in-law, Royce (Elaine W.) Brown; Nieces, Marilyn (Jerry) Core, Ann Cate (Sergio) Siller, Julie Brown (Erik) Hand and Lisa Brown (Robert) Dornellas; Nephews, Allen (Cheryl) Cate, Martin (Janice) Cate, George "Buddy" (Sandra) McNew and Martin Todd (Sandra) Brown; Great Nieces, Hayley Hand, Rachael Dornellas, Kirsten Brown, Megan Brown, Candace Core, Maria Alicia Siller, Amy Cate, Emily Cate and Melissa (Chester) Garrison; Great Nephews, Joshua Dornellas, Jarod Core, Sergio Jesus Siller, Jr., Scott Cate, Joseph Cate and Charlie Richard (Lisa) McNew and Great-great Niece, Jenna Garrison.
George is a native of Chattanooga and has enjoyed a colorful career and a vibrant, full life. He was drafted into the fledgling Army Air Corps as a pilot trainee near the end of WWII. He worked briefly for the Santa Fe Railroad in Houston, Texas, as well as TVA in Chattanooga, where he met Eva, his future wife. They were married for fifty and one half wonderful years. He graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a business degree, becoming a member of the Delta Sigma Fraternity and continuing his interest in aviation by earning a student pilot's license. He spent a few years in both Chattanooga and Knoxville working for the Sinclair Oil Company, eventually purchasing and operating a Sinclair distributorship in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Following the purchase of Sinclair by ARCO, resulting in the loss of his distributorship, he worked as manager for the City of South Pittsburg. He earned his master's degree in education from Middle Tennessee State University after he accepted a teaching position with South Pittsburg High School. He thoroughly enjoyed his teaching career for 16 years until his retirement. During his 48 years residency in South Pittsburg, he quickly became a respected, beloved member of this community, along with his wife, Eva Brown Cate, meaningfully contributing to so many aspects of daily life, including the Holly Avenue Methodist Church, Lions Club, and other community organizations.
George has always had a robust sense of humor and zest for living, which he has recorded in his memoirs, "Papaw's Journal," a constant source of inspiration for locals in South Pittsburg. He has had a gift for eliciting and reflecting the very best qualities in the people encountered during his life journey. He has served as a truly unforgettable role model for his children and grandchildren, often including his friends and associates. Everyone who has known George deeply mourns his loss: countless former students, colleagues, his church community, and his beloved friends, most especially the "liar's table" and staff at Harvey's Pirate Restaurant.
Funeral services will be conducted from Rogers Funeral Home at 10am Central Time on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, officiated by Rev. Anthony Grills. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Rogers Funeral Home in South Pittsburg on Monday, June 28, 2010 from 5pm - 9pm Central Time.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: Holly Avenue United Methodist Church Building Fund at P.O. Box 189, South Pittsburg, TN 37380. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com