MURPHY CATES

Murphy Cates, 76, of Panama City Beach, Fla., passed away Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, after a long illness.

Murphy was a native Conch, born and raised on Duncan Street, the son of Cecil and Irene Cates. After graduating from Key West High School in 1953, he went to work in the Public Works Department for the Navy and retired after 37 years. After retirement he sold his beloved Sugarloaf Key Home and moved to North Florida, finally settling in Panama City Beach.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William "Bill" and Cecil Cates; sister Sylvia Noland; niece, Betsy Noland, and nephew, Jerry Hadas. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Margaret Cormack Cates; sister Betsy Belle Kimble; son, Patrick (Vivian) Cates; daughter, Terry Kelly; two grandsons, Andy (Jeanne) Noda and Tyler Cates; five granddaughters, Tristan Casiano, Natasha Green, Aarika Cates, Eileen (Thaddeus) Pelt and Victoria (Erik) Greenwood; four great-grandchildren, Anthony Morales, Peyton Williamson, Alaya Pelt and Aiden Greenwood; and extended family and friends.

A memorial service was held in Panama City and at a later date the family will gather to take Murphy to his final resting place, the islands that he called home for most of his life. His ashes will be spread at American Shoals lighthouse, one of his favorite fishing spots.

The family requests that any memorial donations be made to Covenant Hospice, 107 W 19th St., Panama City, FL 32405 or St. Jude Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.