Thomas Levon Cates was born on August 20th 1955 to Thomas J. Cates and Catherine R. Cates in Durham N.C. He graduated from Durham High in 1972 and also attended Durham Tech. He also owned his own cleaning business until his retirement in 1998. On July 9th 1988 he married the love of his life Lillie P. King. In 1979 he studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses then he dedicated his life and got Baptized on February 21st 1981. Thomas was a very active participant in many aspects of the Christian Ministry. On June 26th 2000 he was appointed a Ministerial Servant in the Congregation. One of his greatest joys was helping all he could to come to know and worship Jehovah the God he loved. He had a good heart and loved to talk to anyone that would listen (to his funny jokes and riddles). Thomas was greatly loved and will be missed. On Sunday May 17th 2020 Thomas passed away in his home at 2000 Paisley Drive. He leaves to cherish his memory his dear wife Lillie Cates of 32 years; 1 Daughter, Phylenda McLeod (Brondell McLeod); 1 Brother, Angelo Cates; 5 Sisters; Cynthia Bailey, Mary Mayes, Hattie Hunter, Teressa Cates, Bonita Nicholson andChristine Medaline Farrington and 1 Grand Daughter, Jasmine McLeod and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
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