Conrad Wayne Cates

Cates, Conrad Wayne

Conrad Wayne Cates,93, died January 5, 2024, at Abbotswood.

A 2 p.m. funeral service will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Buffalo Presbyterian Church with burial immediately afterwards. There will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall following the burial.

He was the youngest son of the late John H. and Roxie Hames Cates. He graduated from Rankin High School where he excelled at sports. He received B.S. in Business Administration for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he lettered in swimming and set a school record for the Southern Conference. He was a member of the UNC Monogram Club, the UNC Alumni Association, and the Rams Club, and he remained an avid UNC fan and supporter.

Wayne learned to swim at an early age at the YMCA where he enjoyed participating in all sports. The teachings of the Y remained a major influence in his life. After college he was employed by Cone YMCA as Physical Director and was president of Y's Men International.

He was the first president of the Greensboro Aquatic Club. In addition, he was president and district governor of the Greensboro Toastmasters Club and an officer of several civic and service organizations. Wayne served on the executive boards of Young Life and the local American Red Cross, for which he had been a first aid and water safety instructor.

Wayne began his sales career with the Durkee, French, Airwick Company and transferred to Washington, D.C. a Division Sales Manager of the Mid-Atlantic states. He was president of the Washington Grocery Wheels and the Washington -Baltimore GMRA. He received the Humanitarian Award from the American Cancer Society and was cited for his years of support for that organization through the grocery industry. He was a strong advocate and volunteer for Special Olympics and the swim program for deaf students at Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C. While in the Washington area, he was an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Springfield, VA, where he was an elder and member of the chancel choir and organized the Grace Men's Chorus. Following retirement, he adapted his sales skills to real state and joined Long Foster Realtors.

Upon return to Greensboro, he resumed membership in Buffalo Presbyterian Church, where he served as elder, taught Sunday School, and sang in the chancel choir. He served in many leadership capacities which actively contributed to the overall life of the congregation.

Wayne was a caring, loving, and wonderful husband and father. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Order of Odd Fellows, and the Euterpe Music Club of Greensboro. He had a way of making friends with all he met and will be missed and remembered by everyone who knew him.

Wayne was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 72 years, Nancy Moore Cates, as well as his granddaughter, Ashley Hamilton, and eight brothers and sisters.

He is survived by two daughters, Karen Cumbia of Lake Ridge, VA and Nan Hamilton of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by a granddaughter, Laci Hamilton of Raleigh, NC, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be made at www.forbisanddick.com.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 803 16th Street, Greensboro, NC, 27405 or to a charity of one's choice.