Robert "Bob" Cates, of Newport, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2009, at UT Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

  He retired in June 2008, after many years of employment at Bryant and Pack Lumber Co., Lowes, and Newport Housing Authority.

  He was preceded in death by his father, Ben Cates, of Hartford, and grandson, Dylan Cates, of Travelers Rest, S.C.

  He is survived by his wife, Wanda Cates, of Newport; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Terry Gates, of Travelers Rest, S.C.; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Edna Cates, of Newport; grandchildren, Coty and Morgan Cates, of Newport; Aaron and Charlie Gates, of Travelers Rest, S.C.; and Ashley Cates, of Greeneville, Tenn.; mother, Helen Cates, of Hartford; brother, Gordon Cates, of Hartford; and a host of family and friends.

  He was a loving husband, father and son who took pleasure in lending a helping hand to everyone he met.

  Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Brown Funeral Home.

  Interment will be Wednesday, June 24, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. in Union Cemetery.

  The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 23, 2009, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. prior to the service.

  Friends may register online at www.newportfunerals.com.

  Brown Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.