Edward Lee Cates

Edward "Eddie" Lee Cates, 53, was called home to The Lord on Monday, August 4, 2014, at his home in Longview, Texas. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends whose lives he has touched in so many ways. Eddie Cates was born on August 20, 1960 to Dennis and Betty Cates. He grew up in Malvern, Arkansas, a place he always considered "home." A lover of sports, he played football for the Malvern Leopards and excelled in baseball from Little League through Senior Babe Ruth. While in high school, he began dating a young lady by the name of Kim Guyse. This love story continued as he has spent the last 35 years married to the love of his life and best friend. Eddie had a passion and love for sports. Even through bad seasons, he was a faithful fan to his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys. You could often find him refereeing football games on Friday nights, or umpiring baseball games ranging from T-Ball through high school. It is through this that he developed a mutual respect and relationship with the East Texas coaches. Prior to becoming a referee or umpire, he coached Little League football and baseball, and through his coaching he had a profound impact on many young men's lives. He wasn't just teaching these young boys to be players, he was helping mold them into the gentlemen they are today. Though Eddie will be greatly missed, and thought of often, his memory and legacy will carry on through his family, children, grandchildren, and many friends whose lives were touched by such an amazing man. Eddie is survived by his loving wife, Kim Cates of Longview, Texas, parents, Dennis and Betty Cates of Malvern, Arkansas, daughter. Jennifer Cates Burns and husband Robert of Kilgore, Texas, son, Matthew Cates, daughter, Brooke Cates, and son, Corey Cates and wife Brooke, all of Longview, Texas, sister, Belinda Ratcliff and husband Tim of Carthage, Texas, brother Ronnie Cates of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, seven grandchildren, four step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many beloved extended family and friends. A visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas, Thursday, August 7th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. An additional visitation will be held at J.A. Funk Funeral Home in Malvern, Arkansas, on Saturday, August 9th, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. immediately followed by a graveside service at Oak Ridge Cemetery under the direction of J.A. Funk Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made via jafunkfuneralhome.com.