Dennis Lee Cates, age 79, of Malvern, went to be with the Lord, his parents, his son, and his friends that went before him on Tuesday afternoon, August 16, 2016 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was born in Bisbee, Arizona on June 3, 1937 to the late Olen George Cates and Irma Cowperthwaite Cates. He attended grade school in Warren, Arizona and Malvern, Arkansas, and was a graduate of MHS. He served four years in the United States Air Force. Dennis was a member of the DeMolay, the Malvern Jaycees, and the Rockport Masonic Lodge. For 25 years he was owner/operator of Cates Grocery and Market; and retired in 1999 as manager of the Benton, Arkansas Western Sizzlin after 12 years of service.

Dennis is survived by his wonderful and loving wife of nearly 60 years, Betty Norwood Cates, to whom he was married on November 23, 1956 in Malvern; his daughter, Belinda Ratcliff and her husband Tim of Carthage, Texas; son Ronnie Cates of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; daughter-in-law, Kim Cates of Longview, Texas; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Burns, Mathew Cates, Alicia Brooke Cates, Corey Cates, Lauren McSwain, Chris Ratcliff, and Kirbi Cates; nine great-grandchildren, Tatum Cates, Taylor Charlton, Kobe Charlton, Alyssa Charlton, M. J. Cates, Cash Cates, Taysen Cates, Emma McSwain, and Camden McSwain; and by four step-great-grandchildren.

Dennis was also preceded in death by his son, Eddie Lee Cates.

The family will receive friends at J. A. Funk Funeral Home on Thursday evening from five until seven o'clock.

Funeral services are scheduled for two o'clock Friday afternoon, August 19, 2016, in the funeral home chapel with Brother David Cash officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot at the Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Mathew and Corey Cates, Christopher Ratcliff, Tim Ratcliff, Brad McSwain, and Robert Burns.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.