William "Bill" Cates

William "Bill" Cates (November 23, 1939 - Nov. 14, 2022)

Bill is survived by his wife, Jayne Hay Cates of 63 years, Daughter Leanna (Keith) Hershey, Grandchildren Kyle and Zach Hershey, Claire and lan Cates, brother Larry Cates. He was preceded in death by his son Donald Cates, parents Raymond and Judy (Conway) Cates, and sister Carolyn May.

Bill was known for his infectious smile and the twinkle in his blue eyes. He worked for Piggly Wiggly in Oregon, IL as a teen and worked his way through the grocery business with Eagle Foods.. Bill loved to work on the family farm, attend family gatherings, and listen to music. He enjoyed flying his single engine airplane and looking to the sky to identify others. He liked to plan local and international travel and then enjoy the experience. He would go anywhere in his little red truck.

Bill was a member of the Smoky Mountain Historical Society, the DeKalb Masonic Lodge, Rotary, and Sons of the Revolution.

Visitation will be November 18, 2022 from 12:07-1:00 pm at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Oregon, IL. Service will be at 1:00 pm followed by burial at Lighthouse Cemetery.