Stephen Lee Cate

Stephen Lee Cate, age 62, went to be with the Lord on November 3, 2014, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was a beloved son, uncle, brother, community member, co-worker and friend. He was respected and appreciated by those who knew him for his intellect, service to community and kind spirit. He was a church and choir member at Cokesbury United Methodist Church. Stephen was born February 4, 1952, in Maryville, TN. Following his graduation from Maryville High School, he earned a BS, MS and MBA from the University of Tennessee. He worked as a software engineer, developer and programmer for SAIC and several contract agencies in Oak Ridge for over 20 years. He was an active member of the Oak Ridge Rotary Club, and was involved in many committees, projects and activities with the chapter. He was also a Board Member for the Ulster Project of East Tennessee and volunteered for Knox County Mobile Meals and several other community agencies over the years. Stephen was preceded in death by his mother and father, Evelyn Kay Johnson Cate and Williams Thomas Cate, and brother, Thomas W. Cate. He is survived by brother, John W. Cate and wife Loretta (Maryville), and nephews/nieces, Jeff Cate & wife Donna (Brentwood), Cathy Cate Rogers and husband Gary (Lexington, KY), Mark Cate & wife Cathy (Brentwood), Wes Cate and wife Melissa (Knoxville), and Lori Cate (Knoxville). Stephen also had close relationships with his extended family, including several cousins locally and across the US, his great nieces and nephews, in addition to many dear friends and caring neighbors. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 4:00 PM at Cokesbury UMC, Knoxville, TN. Memorial donations may be made to any of the above mentioned organizations that Stephen volunteered for, or a charity of your choice. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Stephen Lee Cate please visit our Sympathy Store.