Jerry Preston Cates Jr

Jerry Preston Cates, Jr, 62, of Akron, Ohio passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, Janurary 25, 2023 after a long illness. He was born in Akron, Ohio on February 10, 1960 to Patricia Cates-Farmer. Jerry lived life to the fullest, enjoying the outdoors with fishing, boating and camping. He very much cherished his mother, stepfather, children, grandchildren, and Sisters, and had a special place in his heart for his late wife Deborah. Jerry was a self-employed contractor in his later years, who was a jack of all trades and who fix anything. He was always up to tell a good story especially stories of his past.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Deborah Cates. He is survived by his mother Patricia Farmer (Kenny), siblings Edie Halliwill, Pamela Pratt (David), sons Joshua Hooper (Bridgette), Justin Smelko (Barbie Yoder), Jeremy Cates and daughter Jessica Cates, and Aunt Betty. Grandchildren Sebastian Smelko, and Paul Ray King, Jr., many nieces and nephews, and a special friend to his son's John McMurray.

A private memorial will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2023, with a celebration of life held immediately afterwards for a family and friends at 4pm located at Tim's Pizzeria, 2823 Bailey Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221.

In lieu of flowers, to help offset final expenses, donations may be made payable to Joshua Hooper, dropped off or mailed to Tim's Pizzeria.