Thomas Harry "Tommy" Cates, age 77, of Arkadelphia passed from this life on January 1, 2020 at CHI St. Vincent's in Hot Springs. He was born on May 10, 1942 in Phoenix, AZ the son of the late Dean and Florence Taylor Cates. Tommy was a graduate of Magnet Cove High School. He served in the United States Navy on the Submarine USS Alexander Hamilton during the beginning of the Vietnam conflict. Tommy spent many years as a painter all around the surrounding area. He loved life, friends, old cars and animals, and operated Give Me A Chance Equine Rescue for 10 years on the ranch he and his wife Polly owned. Tommy always had a big smile on his face ready to tell you a story or a joke. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Jim Cates and Bob Cates.

Tommy is survived by his loving wife of thirty-four years, Polly Vaughan Cates, and one sister, Mary Hall and her husband Bill of Dardanelle and many friends and acquaintances.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at Welch Funeral Home with Bro. Charlie Williams and Roosevelt House officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 until service time.

Interment will be in Talley Cemetery in Jessieville.

Memorials can be made to Give Me A Chance Equine Rescue 68 Terrapin Trail, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.