William F. “Bill” Cates, 93, of Carmi passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025 at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, IL. He was born in Mill Shoals, IL on November 22, 1931 the son of Joseph and Nola (Davis) Cates. Bill married Minnie Kathryn Headlee and she preceded him in death on November 7, 1997. He had worked various jobs in the oil field. Bill was a faithful member of First Church of God in Maunie where he loved being the song leader. He enjoyed woodworking, visiting and singing at the nursing home and fishing, but his greatest joy was being with his family and grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his three daughters, JoAnn (David) Rich, Elaine Bartley and Vicky (Henry) Morrill all of Carmi; nine grandchildren, Brian (Sherrill) Rich, Tracy (Dave) Hamm, Arron Bartley, Kevin Bartley, Matthew Morrill and Lindsay (Shaun) Belcher; nine great-grandchildren, Taylor Ann, Madison Grace, Kameron Cole, Zarren Keith, Jacob Michael, Elijah Henry, Kathryn Grace, Kaleb Keith and Kaylin Ann; two great-great grandchildren, Grayson Henry and Rowan Paul; four siblings, Jolene Hucker, Gary Cates, Larry Cates and Calvin Cates; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Kathryn, siblings, Corrine Hardin and Chuck Cates and a son-in-law, Ernie Bartley.
Funeral services for William F. “Bill” Cates, 93, of Carmi will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial will be in Centerville Cemetery near Carmi. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the First Church of God in Maunie and will be accepted at the funeral home or by mail to 609 W. Main St., Carmi, IL 62821
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