Nancy J. Cates, age 71, and a resident of Williamsport, Tennessee, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home with Brandon Cochran officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Hardison Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Born on January 18, 1954, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Nancy was the daughter of the late Willie Randolph and the late Leila Kelly Randolph. She worked for Life Care, where she took great pride in preparing meals for her beloved patients.
Nancy was known for her cooking skills. She especially loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.
She leaves behind son, Johnnie Cates, of Columbia, daughter, Kellie Ruiz, of Pulaski, sisters, Linda Taylor, of Columbia, Betsy Hawkins, of Christiana, grandchildren, Rebecca Endsley, Ryan Cates, Ashlee Endsley, Andrew Cates, Ethan Kennedy, Jacob Potts, and Justin Potts.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Cates, son, Steven Cates, and grandson, Robert Cates.
Those serving as pallbearers will be Jacob Potts, Justin Potts, Andrew Cates, Ashlee Endsley, Rebecca Endsley, and Ryan Cates. Honorary pallbearers will be Les Hawkins, Chris Randolph, and Eddie Randolph.
