Carl James Cate

February 18, 1933 - July 12, 2018

Carl James Cate, 85 of Walnut Ridge, went to be with his Lord on July 12, 2018. He was born in Hickoria, AR on February 18, 1933 and moved to Piggott, AR at the age of 12. Following his graduation from Piggott High School, Carl enlisted in the National Guard at age 18, where he served for nearly 2 years. He attended University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University where he pursued a degree in education. Carl met the love of his life, Patsy Bonham in June of 1958 when his car “accidentally” bumped into her car on purpose at a red light in Piggott, AR. They were united in marriage on September 12, 1958. God blessed this union with 2 daughters, Tamila Kim and Carla Ann. In 1958, Carl was employed by the Employment Security Division in El Dorado, AR until he was transferred to the Walnut Ridge division in 1960. In 1968, he became manager of the molding department at Cinch in Pocahontas, AR. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service beginning in 1978 until his retirement at age 64. At the age of 16, Carl accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and at the age of 40, he answered God’s call to preach the Word of God and began his ministry. He pastored many churches and spread God’s Word. Carl enjoyed singing and he loved people. He was known for always having his bible nearby wherever he was and hymnals in his car. He knew his purpose in life was to witness to people and teach them God’s Word, so they would have the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. He was a member of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. Carl loved nature, especially birds, and was gifted with the skill of being an exceptional wood worker. He created beautiful wood working projects such as bird houses, yard décor, toy boxes, and toys for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His wood working masterpieces included a fishing boat and the detailed cabinetry, shelving, entertainment center, and fireplace mantle in his home. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Norris L. Cate and Arietta Crawford Cate; two brothers, Granville L. Cate, and Loys E. Cate; two brothers in law, Leroy Brawner and James A. Bonham; two sisters in law, Pat Kilbreath Cate, and Virginia Bonham. His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his wife, Patricia Bonham Cate; two daughters, Tamila Cate (Bill) Nusbaum, and Carla Cate (Ronnie) Luttman; a sister, Joyce Cate Brawner; a sister in law, Zilla Mae Goodman Cate; a brother in law, Rex F. (JoAnn) Bonham; seven grandchildren, Cory R. (Heather) Burt, Jamie R. (Michael) Newton, Taylor A. (Audra) Burt, Hayden R. Lowry, Cameron M. Lowry (and special friend Bailey), Jarrod D. Luttman, and Amanda E. (Jeff) Williams; four great grandchildren, CharliAnne, Carver, Krysten, and Kasey; and a host of devoted nieces, newphews, cousins, dear friends, and neighbors. Visitation will be at the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge, Thursday, July 19, from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. The funeral will be Friday, July 20, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. with Brother Derrick Collins officiating, followed by the interment at Memorial Garden Cemetery in Piggott, AR under the direction of Bryan Funeral Home.