Franklin “David” Cate

November 29, 1957 – October 28, 2026

Franklin “David” Cate of Ellijay, Georgia, passed away on October 28, 2026, at the age of 68. Though his life ended far too soon, his warm smile, gentle spirit, kind eyes, and deep love for those around him will never be forgotten.

David was born on November 29, 1957, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is deeply mourned by his beloved wife, Shirley Smith Cate, who is heartbroken by his loss and endlessly grateful for the life they built together.

To the world, David was many things: a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, colleague, and a source of kindness to everyone fortunate enough to know him. To Shirley, he was her partner, confidant, greatest supporter, soulmate, and the love of her life.

Together, they shared 46 wonderful years filled with laughter, challenges, adventures, steadfast devotion, and countless simple moments that became treasured memories. Their love was the foundation of a life well lived and a family deeply cherished.

David had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Whether through a warm smile, a helping hand, or a listening ear, he touched lives in ways that cannot be measured. His calm, easygoing outlook on life brought comfort to those around him, and his genuine kindness left a lasting impression wherever he went.

He found joy in music, car racing, and college football, especially cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs with an enthusiastic “Go Dawgs!” He loved crisp fall days in the North Georgia mountains and summers spent on St. Simons Island. Yet above all else, David treasured the people he loved. Family and friends were always at the center of his world, and the love, generosity, and unwavering support he gave so freely will continue to live on through them.

One of David’s most rewarding roles was serving as Warehouse Manager for The Ivan Allen Company in Atlanta. A proud native Atlantan, he especially enjoyed the people he met along the way and the stories he collected over the years. One of his favorite memories was meeting members of the Allman Brothers Band while assisting with loading and unloading equipment during performances in Piedmont Park many years ago—a story he loved sharing with family and friends.

Shirley will miss their conversations, traditions, and the comfort of simply having him by her side. Yet she takes comfort in knowing that the love they shared does not end with death. It remains in every memory, every lesson, and every life David touched.

David is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Smith Cate; his son, David Wesley “Wes” Cate; his granddaughters, Sierra Cate and Avery Cate; his brother, Michael Dowd Cate (Jennifer Cate); his nephew, Jackson Cate; and his nieces, Emma Cate, Bonnie White Lau, and Jennifer White Smith. Each will forever cherish the gift of having known and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles “Glenn” Cate; his mother, Doris Dowd Cate; his son, Mark Cate; his sister, Carol Cate Bray; and his brother, Charles “Chuck” Cate.

A celebration of David’s life for family and friends will be held in the spring of 2027. Details will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/ or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/., two organizations that reflect David’s spirit of generosity and caring for others.

Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and deeply loved. We will carry David’s memory with us always and honor him by living with the same kindness, grace, and love that he showed every day.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever remembered.

Care of David has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.