Charles Lynn Cates

Charles Lynn Cates, age 78, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital. Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Lea and Simmons Funeral Home, with Bro. Mike Young officiating. Burial to follow in the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Lea and Simmons Funeral Home from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. and again on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 12:00 P.M. until the service hour at 1:00 P.M.

Mr. Lynn was born in Whiteville, TN on July 9, 1946, to the late William Cates and the late Cassie Watson Cates. Mr. Lynn was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a servant’s heart, loved God and his family. Mr. Lynn served as Fire Chief at the Haywood Co. Volunteer Fire Department and retired after many years from Southwest Electric. He enjoyed the TN River and loved his river family. He was also preceded in death by the mother of his children: Melba Russell Cates; one daughter: Dana Cates; and many brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his wife of over 7 years: Sandy Wilson Cates of Jackson, TN; three sons: Robby Cates (Lindsey) of Mercer, TN, Kevin Cates, (Natalie) of Medina, TN, John Sinclair (Andrea) of Ash Flat, AR; two daughters: Amy Hilliard (Brett) of Bells, TN, Sarah Smith (Elam) of Brownsville, TN; one brother: Danny Cates of Whiteville, TN; one sister in law: Jean Gray of Brownsville, TN; his best friends: Mr. Bill Sullivan and Bubba Goodman; He leaves a legacy of 13 grandchildren: Russ Cates (Anna Claire), Jordan Cates, Nathan Cates, Charlie Cates, Layla Sue Cates, Neyland James Cates, Andrew Hilliard (Loren), Emma Englert (Rowdy), Mason Sinclair, Maddox Sinclair, Manning Sinclair, Nolan Sinclair, Lennon Smith; one great-granddaughter: Lainey Cates; his mother in law Betty Wilson and brother in law Steve Wilson.

Serving as pallbearers are Russ Cates, Kevin Cates, Robby Cates, Nathan Cates, Andrew Stewart, Tracy Bell, Ryan Bell; Honorary Pallbearers are Bill Sullivan and Kevin Gray.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1640, Hagerstown, MD 21741.  All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.