William “Bill” Lloyd Cates, 81, of Dalton passed from this life on February 9th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 11, 1944, in Blytheville, AR to the late Lloyd and Grace Cates. Bill was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who was known for his kind personality and was always one to help others in their time of need. He enjoyed spending time on the Eleven Point River with his family, working on the farm, and spent many nights listening to his hounds. His legacy will live on forever in the values that he instilled in the many people that he came into contact with during his time on earth.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Grace Cates; his high school sweetheart and eternal wife, Judy Cates; sisters, Sue McClanahan and Linda Marrone.

He is survived by his children, Rebekah (Charlie) Ring of Ravenden, Lisa (Donnie) Kirby of Dalton, Wendy (Tommy) Adams of Reyno, Tracy Hallman of Magness, LeeAnn Cates of Pocahontas, and Bobby Cates of Pocahontas; Sister, Georgia Smart; grandchildren, Ashley (James) Garrison, Amanda (Derek) Horton, Will (Christie) Ring, Drew (Shea) Ring, Brandon (Jennifer) Kerley, Jacob (Bailey) Kirby, Aaron (Tiffany) Kirby, Cory Godwin, Caleb (Kirsten) Godwin, Cody (Katelyn) Adams, Tyler (Heather) Adams, Emily, Hanna, Abbie, Maddie Adams, Rachel (Casey) Luedemann, Ryan (Kelsie) Bounds, Kayden Cates-Wessell, Trevor, Natalie and Hannah Cates; 41 great grandchildren, and 1 great- great grandchild along with two life long friends, Bill Hallman and Chuck Gentry.

A graveside service will take place on 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at McIlroy Cemetery with Charlie Ring officiating.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be his grandsons.