Mr. Richard "Rick" M. Cato

February 9, 1947 - January 22, 2021

Richard “Rick” M. Cato, 73 passed away at SECU Hospice Home in Yadkinville, NC on January 22, 2021. Born in Wichita, KS on February 9, 1947 to the late Yvonne Jeanne and James S. Cato. He is survived by wife Donna, three children Tiffany Lynn Howser, and husband Mark, Roger L. Allen, II and wife Stacey, Brian M. Allen, and wife Kim – Brothers Steven Cato and wife Marlyse, Gregg Cato and wife Sandy - Sister in Laws Anita Cooper and Barbara Rose, Brother in Law Bob Rose - Grandchildren, Richard Justin “Ricky” Howser, Hannah Jane Howser, Josie Marie Howser, Brittany Leigh Allen, Tanner Cox, Brody Reid Allen, Brandon Blankenship - Great Grandson Brody Scott Blankenship and Great Grandaughter Braelynn Hope Blankenship - Niece Stephanie Crownover, and husband Jason - Nephews Aaron Cato, and wife Carrie, Seth Cato, and wife Meagan, Gregg Cato, and wife Ellen - Eunice Cooper, mother in law, was beloved by Rick and he often stated “she is my only mother now”. They talked every day on the phone and shared concerns over each other’s well-being. Rick served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War working in electronics on Aircraft Carriers in Michigan State. After discharge from the Navy, he was a Professional Salesman opening distribution and managing a sales network in the building supply industry, with Marvin Windows, Pella Windows, IKO Roofing and RMC Vinyl Siding. Rick was a non-resident member of Berachah Church in Houston, TX and was part of their ministry for over 40 years. Rick was passionate about his Lord and a great Patriot who loved his country. He left no stone unturned. He would speak with every single person, with whom he came in contact, about Jesus. His first question to everyone, even a customer service rep on the phone, or a telemarketer was… will I see you in Heaven? Based on their response to that question, he took it from there. Rick always had a prayer list that he prayed diligently every single day, and it was a very rare day, if he did not spend time in the Bible, listening to or watching a Pastor’s Bible Study. Rick’s favorite verse in the Bible was John 15:7… If you abide in me and my Words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Rick longed to be with the Lord and hear Jesus say the words found in Matthew 25:21…Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much. Enter into the JOY of your Master. Rick was very grateful and appreciative for all that the Lord had given. He loved the home he built for himself and his wife Donna, and he loved all people… regardless. He believed in extending GRACE to all. Rick never had desires for grandeur in this life and lived only to see the faces of the family he loved come to see him. He treasured family and friends, and was so happy to be able to spend time with the ones he loved. Rick had been homebound for quite some time before he went to be with the Lord and truly cherished every visit from his family and very special friends Kenny and Susie Cooper, Gary and Heidi McClennan, Diana and Vaught Hutchens and Spencer Marshall. Rick LOVED children, and always had a special way with them. He loved living in the country, and enjoyed everyone who would come by to fish for a while in his pond, and even when he was confined to a wheelchair for many years of his life, he would do anything he could to help anyone who ever asked for his help. Your family and friends will miss you forever… will never forget how happy it made us to see you laugh, and until we are reunited… our memories of you will warm our hearts and minds in knowing you are no longer suffering. Rick’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of his VA Home Health Team who cared for him during this past year, the staff at Wake Forest Cancer Center, Dr. Daniel Reed and the staff at SECU Hospice Home. May God Richly Bless each one of you who helped Rick transition to his Eternal Home.