Ernest Henry Cates

Ernest Henry Cates obituary, Bakersville, NC

Ernest Henry Cates

Ernest Cates Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Webb Funeral Home on Jan. 30, 2026.
Captain Ernest "Professor" H. Cates, USMC Ret., 92, passed away on January 26, 2026 at his home in Bakersville, NC.

He was born on May 11, 1933 in Floral Park, NY.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lily Marie Rubsam Butterfield and his father, Horace Butterfield.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Punchie, Ernest "Moose", Erik, Dawn, Jeffery, and Denny.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 12:00-1:00 pm at the Webb Funeral Home in Spruce Pine, NC.

Military Honors will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:00 am in the Chapel of the State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. Those wishing to attend should be at the cemetery by 9:50 am.

Online condolences can be made at www.webbfh.com

The care of Professor and his family has been entrusted to Webb Funeral Home, 128 Roan Road Spruce Pine, NC 28777, (828) 765-4277

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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February 3, 2026

Charles Nash posted to the memorial.

January 30, 2026

Jeff Kunz posted to the memorial.

January 30, 2026

Webb Funeral Home posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Charles Nash

February 3, 2026

Jeff Kunz

January 30, 2026

Ernie at Jeff and Cassandras wedding

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Webb Funeral Home

128 Roan Rd, Spruce Pine, NC 28777

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Sign Ernest Cates's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 3, 2026

Charles Nash posted to the memorial.

January 30, 2026

Jeff Kunz posted to the memorial.

January 30, 2026

Webb Funeral Home posted an obituary.