Rincon- Robert "Bobby" J. Cates Jr., 72, passed away June 22, 2021 surrounded by his beloved family. His gentle heart and kind ways will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was born in Millen, Georgia on July 13, 1948.   As a young man he moved to Chatham County, Georgia, where he began a career as an electrician at Union Camp Corporation. He remained at Union Camp throughout his career and in 2013 he retired from the company after 44 years of dedicated service. In 1979, he met the love of his life, Laverne Cates, and moved to Rincon, Georgia. The couple shared many interests including traveling, camping, gardening and working in the yard, and spending time with family. They are also members of Effingham Baptist Church.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents, Robert "Julian" Cates, Sr. and Jewel Waters Cates, his sister Barbara Ann Cates and his brother Danny Charles Cates, Sr.

Survivors include his loving wife of 42 years, Laverne Cates; his children Amy Hickox (Michael), Alicia Elliott (Russell), Bonny Gnann (David), Lisa Phillips (Tim) and William L. Exley; a sister, Delaine Becton (Steve); his grandchildren Dylan Boyett (Amber), Amelia Elliott, Lilly Hickox, Fallon Hirsch (David), Tiffany Gnann, Califf Gnann (Meghan), Daniel Exley, Chloe Phillips and Gracelyn Phillips; his great grandchildren Otto, Emmett, Levi, Callie, Ivory and Ella; a brother in law Alfred Ellisor Jr. (Sue) and number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held 10 am Friday, June 25, 2021 in the funeral home chapel.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Effingham Baptist Church, 1007 Columbia Ave., Rincon, GA 31326.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. (912) 754-6421.