Harry Byrd Kates

Harry Byrd Kates, 75, of Providence Forge, born Oct. 31, 1937, passed away Jan. 11, 2013 after a long and courageous fight with cancer.

Harry retired from Philip Morris after 33 years of service. He served in the United States Army as an M.P. from 1956-58, and was a member of Ephesus United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Va. for 60 years.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Willie Kates; a brother, Meredith Thomas Kates; and a sister and her husband, Dorothy and Mario Amatucci.

Harry is survived by his wife of 29 years, Barbara “Bobbie” Kates; one son, Christopher Alan Kates; one brother, Albert Kates Jr. and his wife, Atha; a sister, Elizabeth Dearman and her husband, Jimmy; and his grandson, Christopher Lee Kates, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to a very loyal friend, Charlie Hodges, and to all of his friends and family at Hopewell Baptist Church.

A special thank you to Horizons Hospice for the care of not only Harry, but of our family as well.

A special thank you to Maryann Marks and her husband, Ken of Farnham, Va., a niece whom he felt of as the daughter he never had.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 at Ephesus United Methodist Church, 31399, Trottinridge Road, Clarksville, Va.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church, 5061 Hopewell Rd., New Kent, Va. 23124. Vincent Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Condolences can be registered at www.vincentfh.com.