Robert "Bobby" Wayne Cates

Robert “Bobby” Wayne Cates, 82, of Newport, NC, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024, at ECU Health in Greenville, NC, due to injuries from a motorcycle accident. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 2^nd at Victory Baptist Church in Newport, NC, officiated by Pastor Roger Whaley.

Bobby was born in Durham, NC to the late Johnie Allen Cates and Myrtle Conway Cates. He honorably served in the United States Army. Bobby enjoyed boating, time at the beach, riding his Harley, attending church, and visiting with family and friends.

He is survived by his children, Lura Annette Gilliam and fiancé Garland Byrd, Timothy Wayne Cates, and Troy Ray Cates and wife Tina; grandchildren, Blaire Cates Willis and husband Lando, Ashley Jena Brown, Philip Gilliam and wife Beth, Alex Wrenn, Elizabeth Cates, Natalie Gilliam and partner Cody Watson, Justin Wayne Cates, and Zachary Ray Cates and wife Kelsey; sisters, Jo Ann Bridges, Linda Norton, and Nancy Morrison; 9 great-grandchildren; 6 nieces; and 7 nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his brother, Benny Ray Cates.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victory Baptist Church, 1051 Hibbs Road, Newport, NC 28570.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.