'Al' Alfred Daniel Cates
August 3, 1929 ~ December 7, 2013
KERRVILLE Alfred D. "Al" Cates, 84, of Kerrville, departed this world on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, after a lengthy illness. Al was born in Menard, Texas, on Aug. 3, 1929. Although Al always wanted to be a cowboy, he joined the U.S. Army at age 17 and served his country in Japan and the Korean War. Upon his return in 1952, Al married June Bingham in San Angelo. He spent 25 years in the communications business with local San Angelo companies and General Telephone. In later years, Al worked for a Conoco distributor in Texarkana and then owned a Roadrunner convenience store. In 1994, Al and June decided to retire in Kerrville. Al was an avid golfer, racketball and tennis player. He watched every tennis match on TV. He loved to shoot pool online and in real time. Al had a fondness for a good joke, a good meal and a good nap. Al will be missed by all who were blessed to know him and touched by his laughing blues eyes. Al is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, June; daughters, Danee Cates of Fort Worth and Jeanie Seale and her husband, John of Saltillo, Miss.; granddaughter, Mandy Samples and her husband, Kevin, and great-granddaughter, Lexi Samples of Rockwall; granddaughter, Kelly Hall and her husband, Sam, and great-grandson Noah Hall of Saltillo, Miss. A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, at First United Methodist Church in Kerrville. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates memorials made locally to the Salvation Army, 201 Holdsworth Dr., Kerrville, TX 78028.
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What a great guy my Uncle Al. I was eight years old and just lost my father, Al’s brother at age 34. Al and Willard looked after us. Al gave me my first job; edging his yard with a manual edger. He felt so bad for me the third time he doubled my pay to one dollar. We were both real happy. About 15 years ago, we played golf in San Antonio and Kerrville and of course were partners. In Kerrville on the 18th green. I make this 2 footer we win 8.00 I missed it.. we lose 2.00 each. Al, turned around and told me to go get in the cart. My uncle !
It is 4:30 am. Just saw about my frien Al!!, Thought , oh my word, about him going to cook those biscuits at the roadrunner!!!!! Just to know it was so sad to hear about this. Dean
Just wanted to share with the family that the First Baptist Church family in Tupelo, MS are lifting you up in our prayers in the celebration of Mr. Cates going home to be with the Lord… We pray that the Holy Spirit gives each of you peace and comfort at this time.
Hal Hancock
Sorry to hear of Al’s passing he was truly one of the good guys. The golfers at Texarkana Country Club speak of him often his great hummer will be missed by all.
June, Our love and prayers are with you in your loss.
Praying for you. Gerald and Doris Pittman
Dear Danee,
I know your heart is aching in your loss. I am keeping you and your family close in my thoughts. Much, much love.
Donna Click
Mr. Cates was the life of the party- such an outgoing, hilarious, charming, generous man who always made you laugh and have the best time! Growing up, I went so many places with Danee and her beloved parents, Al and June, and i stayed at their home almost as much as my own. Al always greeted you with a big smile, a joke, and a twinkle in his eyes and always, always made you see the bright side of life. What a special gift, and what a special guy! He will be sorely missed. Danee and June and Jean, I am so sorry for your loss. Wish I could be there today to honor Al.
What a delight for Sonny and I to have met Al and June while we lived in Kerrville. We became fast friends and did much laughing for the 10 years that we were there. So many stories could be told…and some that can’t be told…of all the fun times, on the golf course, our weekly dinners together, parties, and our trip to Mexico. His smiling face will be missed by all who knew him.
Dear Mrs. Cates, Jeanie & Danee,
I was so sorry to read of the passing of your husband and dad. I think of you every time I drive down Cornell street and see the house where you used to live. You and all the family are in my thoughts and prayers~
I sure loved my Uncle Al and will greatly miss him. Aunt June I will continue to pray for peace and comfort for ya’ll. I’m sure Uncle Al, Uncle Elton and Daddy are having a great game of golf. All my love to my precious Aunt and cousins.
June, so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Sincerly,
Dear June ,Danee and Jeanne
I’m so heartbroken to learn of Al’s passing. My memories of him are of laughter and his mischievous smile! He has always been a favorite of mine and I know how much my dad loved him! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time! He was a wonderful person to know, as you all are.
Dear June, Danee, and Jeanne,
Our hearts were broken to hear the sad news…Can’t remember a single time I ever saw Al not smiling and laughing….He was a sweetheart and will be truly missed, even though we haven’t seen ya’ll in years we think of you often. You and the girls will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear June and family, please accept our sincere condolences. You and Al have been wonderful neighbors in the Wilderness and we will miss him. We wish you peace of mind and comfort of heart. June and Chris Powell