Jack Phillip Cates, Jr. 64, of Vernon, passed away peacefully, March 2, 2010 at his home in Vernon, after a long battle with cancer.
Jack was born to Jack Phillip Cates, Sr. and Garnett Ford Cates Burleson, December 5, 1945 in Key West, Florida. He grew up in Key West and Hollywood, Fla. He attended Miami-Dade College. Jack proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam era. After being stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base, he returned to this area in 1979. He worked off shore as a hydraulic mechanic with Chevron USA and owned his own business, Cates Equipment Company. He is a member of Eastside Baptist Church of Vernon. Jack is preceded in death by his Father; Jack P. Cates, Sr. and is survived by his Mother; Garnett Burleson, his Wife of 21 years; Pam Cates; Sons: Jack Phillip Cates, III and Jason Cates, Step-Daughters; Niki Seley and husband Allen and Allison Brock, Grandchildren; Jack Phillip Cates, IV, Ashlee Cates and Anna Cates, Step-Grandchildren; Sy Seley, Olivia Cotton and Mikayla Cotton. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 P.M. at Brown Funeral Home, Brickyard Chapel. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 4th at 3:00 P.M. at Eastside Baptist Church in Vernon with the Rev. Mike Browning and Michael Brock officiating. Interment will follow in Vernon City Cemetery with military honors. Donations may be made in appreciation to Covenant Hospice, 4440 Lafayette St. Suite C, Marianna, Fla. 32446, or in memory of Jack to Florida Baptist Children's Home, 8415 Bucklake Rd., Tallahassee, Florida, 32311 or the Gideons, 224 Hwy 273, Chipley, Florida 32428.