Alan Wallace Cates, 77, passed away on October 10, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Alan was born on March 31, 1947, in Dallas, Texas to Calvin Grady Cates and Oleta Woodward Cates. He attended Hillcrest High School and the University of Texas and remained a lifelong Longhorn fan. While he spent most of his career in commercial real estate, he followed his passions later in life by starting a salsa company and working as a handyman. A strong man of faith, he generously served others in innumerable ways, touching the hearts of many over the course of his life. He was a founding member of Park Cities Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and with the church’s Helping Hands ministry. He was also a long-time, beloved volunteer with Union Gospel Mission, where he devoted countless hours to serving Dallas’ homeless population. He also enjoyed any opportunity to share his love for cooking and BBQ with others. Alan was deeply committed to his family. He was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather who always placed his loved ones at the center of his life. He is survived by Melinda, his loving wife of 50 years; his two brothers, Lloyd (Kari) and Gary (Jane); his daughter Lane (Brad) and grandsons James and Cole; his son Michael (Bethany), and granddaughters Eleanor and Uli. One might say he even became the best version of himself as a grandfather. His love and kindness were on full display with the arrival of his four grandchildren. As a natural born prankster, he found the perfect audience for his hijinks in his grandkids. Alan lived a full and unique life. He overcame great obstacles and celebrated many great successes. He was refined by fire time and time again and was surely greeted at the gates of heaven with “well done, my good and faithful servant.” He has fought the good fight. He has finished the race as it should be finished – ever improving and enriching the lives of all around him. He was an expert at extracting joy out of life where others might not be able to find it, and his legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion to his family and to those he so generously served will live on in the memories of all who knew him. His passing leaves a great void, but his spirit will be carried forward through the lives he touched. A service to celebrate Alan's life will be held on Monday, November 4th at 2:00 pm at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to the cancer charity of their choosing.

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