Walter Robert Cates, Sr.

Walter Cates, Sr. age 77, passed away Saturday, February 22. He was a member of Faith Ministries church. As a independent minority leader for over 45 years. He made a phenomenal positive impact on our community through his leadership in our community. He founded the Main Street Business Association. He had worked in a Leadership position for the NAACP. He spearheaded the development of more than 6 million dollars worth of public improvement development for E. Main street. His nickname was “The Mayor of Main Street.” Loved ones that cleared the path for Walter are his father, James Cates, Sr.; his mother, Ada Mae Cates; his brother, William Cates, Sr.; and his sisters, Jimme Lee Francis and Janetta Cates. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Vivian Cates; his sons, Preston Sturgis, Jason Sturgis and Walter (Shayna) Sturgis; his ten grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren; his brothers, Elbert (Mary) Cates, James Cates, Larry (Kathy) Cates, Wesley (Michelle) Cates, Sr. Alonzo (Melanie) Cates, and Steven Cates; his sisters, Zetter Penick, Rosie Corner and Gracie Cates; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. The way he died is just like he lived: he wrote his own rules, he fought authority and he paved his own way. And if you said he couldn’t do it, he would make sure he could.