Frank J. "Skip" Cates, 74, of Athens, departed this life on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

A native and lifelong resident of Athens, he was a son of the late James Ira and Amelia Virginia Lee Cates. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Elizabeth Anna "Liz" Boyd Cates, on April 23, 2001; one daughter, Sylvia Cates; one great-granddaughter, Makayla Cates; and two brothers, William MacArthur Cates, on Nov. 3, 2007, and Howard Ed "Curly" Cates, on Feb. 1, 1983. He was employed by Bowater Paper Corporation for more than 50 years, and had served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division.

Survivors include two sons, Michael Ira Cates Sr. and Frank J. Cates Jr., both of Athens; one daughter-in-law, Christine Cates of Athens; one brother and sister-in-law, Thomas "Hokey" and Marilyn Cates of Athens; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Cordelia "Cordy" Cates of Nashville, Frances "Cookie" and Douglas Carter of Cleveland, Judith "Judy" Cates of Austell, Ga., and Susan Cates and David Copeland of Marietta, Ga.; nine grandchildren, Michael Cates Jr., Ansley Felix, Shae and Zavion Cates, Terayl Scruggs, Francehska and Tobaus Cates and Maurice Vestal, all of Athens, and Savannah Cates of Knoxville; three great-grandchildren, Naquan, McKenzie and Malachi Cates; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be noon Tuesday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Michael Cates Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Hammonds Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the funeral home.

Those not able to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com