Dudley Cates of Memphis, TN, passed away 11/26/20 after losing his battle to cancer. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Patty) McMahon Cates, son Brian Cates, grandchildren Tayler (Elliot) Bowley, Aidan Cates, Drake Cates, and great granddaughter Sloane.

Dudley was born in Nankipoo, TN, the son of Ira & Neoma Cates. He grew up farming, but at age 18, borrowed money from his uncle, took a bus to Memphis and never looked back. He and Patty lived and worked in Memphis, Cleveland, OH (her hometown), Nashville and Atlanta. While in Atlanta, he was a regional logistics manager for Siemens/Océ. One of his most treasured memories during his tenure with Siemens/Océ was traveling to Europe to visit friends and tour Germany, Austria & Italy.

Upon retiring, Dudley and Patty opted to travel in an Airstream trailer and later a motorhome until settling back in Memphis in 2005. During their twelve years in Memphis, Dudley sold tomatoes and watermelons at farmers markets and ran a campground. For the past three years, they traveled full time in their motorhome, visiting most every state and several Canadian provinces. He was a member of FMCA's Cruisin' Cajuns, a Louisiana motorhome club, and spent quite some time in Louisiana with their Cajun family. He met people all across the country during their travels.

Dudley loved to cook, fish, and entertain. He never met a stranger and was the life of most gatherings and parties. He truly enjoyed being with his family and friends. He enjoyed reading western novels and watching old westerns on Grit TV.

Graveside service will be at 2:00 Wednesday, December 2 at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph Indian School at www.give.stjo.org or West Cancer Center at www.westcancerfoundation.org .

High Point Funeral Home & Crematorium

3788 Summer Avenue

Memphis, TN 38122

901-454-5795