James Bradford “Brad” Cates, Sr., 53, went to his heavenly home on February 3, 2024, after sustaining serious injuries from a vehicle accident. He was born September 20, 1970, to Julian and Barbara Cates in Pontotoc, MS. He graduated from Pontotoc High School in 1988, playing baseball throughout his high school years and on the Pontotoc American Legion baseball team for four years, Brad then went on to ICC. Brad never met a stranger, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching old westerns on TV. He drove a truck for B & B Concrete for many years and met a lot of friendly people and was a member of Greatest Mission Baptist Church.
Brad is survived by his son, Brad Cates, Jr. (Brittney) of Tuscaloosa, AL; his mother, Barbara Cates and his father, Julian Cates both of Pontotoc, MS; sister, Carrie Ann Cates of Pontotoc, MS; his granddaughters, Ariana Cates and Dakota McCammon both of Tuscaloosa, AL; nephew, Zachary Stegall; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his brother, D.J. Cates; his grandparents, George Cates, Gwendolyn Sledge, Rex Herndon, and Opalene Garrett; his aunt, Tammy Dillard; and his uncle, Bobby Herndon.
Services will be Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 2PM at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc with Bro. Steve Parrish officiating. Visitation will begin at 12PM and continue to service time. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Zachary Stegall, Sam Anderson, Rockey Henderson, Tim Enis, Terry Dillard, and Zack Long.
