Roderick Lynwood Cate

Graham, NC - Mr. Roderick Lynwood Cate, 62, died peacefully at his home on April 29, 2020. Mr. Cate was born November 4, 1957 in Chapel Hill to the late Ann Griffin and John Henry Cate, Jr. He graduated from Chapel Hill High School in 1976. Upon his graduation, he went to work at Old Oak Ridge Farm, the family farm. Mr. Cate enjoyed spending time with his family at Lake Tillery, fishing, hunting, and boating, and loved his dogs. He had a passion for auctions, specifically auctions for farm equipment. Rod is survived by his sons, Roderick Travis Cate and Jonathan Henry Cate, both of Staley, NC; his life partner of 36 years, Deborah D. Cate of the home; and his sisters, Lisa Ann Cate, of Missouri, and Frances Cate Thomas, and her husband, Gary, of Boiling Spring Lakes, NC. A graveside service was held on Monday, May 4, 2020 at 2:00pm at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, 9326 Bethel Hickory Grove Church Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Officiating was Pastor J. David Atwater. The Cate family is under the care of Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill.