Robert Ray "Tuffy" Cates, 74, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at House of Hope in Wichita Falls, surrounded by his loving family.  A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, August 9, 2025 in the First Baptist Church (East Sanctuary) with Dr. Bob McCartney officiating. There will be a reception following the service at The Delta Hotel, 306 Travis Street, Wichita Falls, TX and you are invited to attend to visit and share stories with the family.

True to his name, Tuffy faced a long and courageous battle with dementia, showing unwavering resilience until his final breath.

Tuffy was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on May 1, 1951 to Louis and Treva (Sosebee) Cates. He graduated from Wichita Falls High School and went on to study art at Midwestern State University. Tuffy began his career with the Texas Highway Department as a teenager and continued his service until he retired from TxDOT in 2000.

Outside of work he was a devoted mentor to young men through his many years of coaching youth football with The Boys and Girls Club. In addition, he also gave generously of his time as a dedicated volunteer with several local organizations, including Boys and Girls Club of Wichita Falls, Optimist Club, The Mavericks of Wichita Falls, and RIBS, Inc.

Tuffy was an avid sports enthusiast who deeply valued faith and family. His loving demeanor was contagious to his kids grandkids, nieces and nephews. He never missed a game and even cheered them on at practice. The majority of his life was filled with golf, hunting and cheering on the Holliday Eagles. He also spent many hours perfecting his many collections from baseball cards to guitars.

Along with his parents, Tuffy was preceded in death by his brother Gary "Weasel"Cates.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, LaWanda Bell Cates of Wichita Falls; He was a proud father to Christi Jones and husband Clint of WF, Shana Jackson and husband Chad of WF, Amber Holt and husband Eric of Dallas; grandchildren: Tyler Griffin and wife Teran of Marshall, TX, Taylor Griffin of WF, Crue Jackson and wife Addyson of El Paso, Crae Jackson and wife Brittany of San Antonio, Creed Jackson and wife Belle of WF; great-grandchildren: Chloe, Brylen and Brayden Craver, Elkin and Dolly Griffin. Siblings: Treva and the late Randy Apple of Lafayette, LA, Judy and husband Steve Sluder of WF; nieces and nephews: Steven Sluder and wife Apple of WF, Mandy and husband Lance Howard of Bluegrove, TX, the late Ricky Apple, Gary Apple of Lafayette, LA and Melissa and husband Bryan Fant of Lafayette, LA along with many great nieces and nephews.

A heartfelt "Thank You" to the staff of House of Hope, Hospice of Wichita Falls staff, along with Tweety and staff at The Pines at Rolling Meadows for caring for Tuffy as if he was their own family.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to Boys and Girls Club of Wichita Falls Tuffy Cates scholarship fund or to Hospice of Wichita Falls.