Captain Ernest “Professor” H. Cates, USMC Ret., 92, passed away on Monday, 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, Denny, Jeffery, Moose, Dawn, Punchy and Eric.
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
