Terry Douglas Cates

On July 4, 2026, our family said goodbye to an extraordinary man—our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Terry Douglas Cates, 87, of Edinburg, Texas, passed away after a life defined by service, loyalty, courage, and love. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on May 2, 1939, Terry answered the call to serve his country at just 17 years old by joining the United States Coast Guard. He went on to dedicate more than 30 years to law enforcement, serving as a Louisiana State Trooper, U.S. Border Patrol Agent, and retiring as a Deputy U.S. Marshal. He wore every badge with honor, integrity, and pride. Terry loved America deeply, and it seems only fitting that a man who devoted his life to serving his country made his final journey home on Independence Day, during our nation’s 250th birthday celebration. Those who knew him know he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. If you knew Terry, you loved him. He was larger than life, quick to make you laugh, fiercely loyal, and never met a stranger. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, and rooting for the Houston Astros, but nothing brought him more joy than his family. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Anita and Chuck Cates, and his grandson, AJ Olivarez. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Katherine Cates; his children, Doug Cates (Janet), Timothy Cates, Deidra Weant (Jared), Denise Villarreal (Louis), Bridgette Vieh (Chuck), and John Ballew; his beloved grandchildren, Kelsey Cates Gill, Nicholas Villarreal, Mandy Villarreal, Jake Mireles, Josh Mireles, Jaxon Mireles, Jenna Ames, Alaida Eaves, Crystal Ballew, Stephanie Ballew, and Justin Ballew; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Sean Porras, Jordan Vicente, Ethan Ames, Jace Ames, Brooks Eaves, Whit Eaves, Sheraton Olivarez, Jayden Olivarez, Sebastian Olivarez, Hoyt Gill, and John Gill. In accordance with Terry’s wishes, there will be no traditional funeral service. He will be cremated, and his ashes will be scattered at South Padre Island. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing his watch has ended after a lifetime of faithful service. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the lives he touched, and the countless memories he leaves behind. Rest easy, Dad, Papa, Terald, Grandpa Terry. Your watch is over. We love you, and we will carry your legacy with us always.

Tributes

Terry Douglas Cates

July 4, 2026