Rita Cates Obituary
It is with sadness that the passing of Rita Cates of Eatonton, Georgia is shared. Rita, born on December 17, 1957, passed away on October 1, 2026. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
Rita will be remembered for the time spent with loved ones and the moments that brought joy to those around her. Friends and family will honor Rita by reflecting on shared memories and the positive influence she had in their lives. Though Rita is no longer present, the bonds she created and the experiences shared will endure. Rita’s memory will continue to be a source of comfort for all who knew her.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Hurley Lorenzo Cockman and Jeanette Holland Cockman; and her brothers, Steven Cockman and John Cockman. She is survived by: her husband Billy Rubert of Eatonton; her son James Cates of McDonough; her stepchildren, Kimberly Diana Rhodes (Sheth) of Tennille and Vincent Owen Robinson, Jr. (Anna) of Deepstep Community; and her brother Eddie Wayne Cockman (Judy) of Brooklet.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, October 5th 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Graham Cockman Family Cemetery (321 Deer Run Rd, Vidalia, GA 30474).
