Lyall R. “Buz” Cates
Lyall Richard “Buz” Cates, 64, of Winchester, Virginia, died Tuesday, August 20, 2013, in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
Buz was born in 1948, in Washington, D.C., and was the son of the late Richard A. and Julia L. Cates. He was a graduate of James Wood High School, Class of 1966 and received an Associate’s Degree from Lord Fairfax Community College. Buz was also a Veteran of the United States Navy, and served on the U.S.S. Atakapa. He was a Facilities Technician with MedImmune and formerly worked for 3M Company as a Maintenance Shop Foreman in Middleway, West Virginia.
Buz was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and the Winchester Shawnee Lions Club, where he served as Secretary, and was also named Lion of the Year in 1976-77. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts. More than anything, Buz enjoyed being with his family. His other hobbies included motorcycling, going to the beach, and he also enjoyed attending Shenandoah University sporting events with his wife. Buz was a friend to many in the area, and was always willing to help those he loved in any way he could.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Sue (Locke) Cates; his daughter, Scarlett Cates of Washington, D.C.; his sons, Christopher Cates and wife, Cassie, of Winchester, Patrick Cates and wife, Leena, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, Jonathan Cates of New York, New York; one grandson, Devon Rubio; his sisters, Brona Hanson of Columbia, South Carolina, Judi Cromer of Lexington, Kentucky and Nancy Cates of Winchester and his first wife, Joette K. Kelchner of Mechanicsville, Virginia.
The family will receive friends on Saturday evening, from 5:00-8:00 PM, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Adult Care Center of the Northern Shenandoah Valley, 411 N. Cameron Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601.