Obituary of Ralph DeWayne Kates

Ralph DeWayne Kates, age 62, was born August 15, 1960, in Bridgeton, New Jersey. He was the tenth of eleven children born to the late John C. and Alice Lee Jordan-Kates. Ralph departed this life on November 3, 2022. Ralph attended Bridgeton Public Schools, in ninth grade he transferred to Sacred Heart High School in Vineland, NJ to be with his older brother Charlie. Both brothers excelled athletically. In fact, Ralph was inducted into Sacred Heart Hall of fame on December 19, 2011. After graduation he received a scholarship to attend Cumberland Maryland University for basketball. Ralph worked for over 15 years as a skilled laborer for Local 322. He was affiliated with Samuel J. Roberts Lodge 979. Ralph also played softball for local teams, the County Bar and South East Market. Ralph was an avid Eagles fan, and he loved the Phillies. He really loved dancing and music; oldies, R&B, and soul music. He was deeply loved by all the young people, and they loved hanging out with him. But nobody hung with him more than his older brother Charlie. They were inseparable if you saw one you saw the other. He leaves to cherish his memories; his children, Ralph Kates Jr., Rachel Kates, Ann Johnson, Tamara Johnson, Prochelle Gary, Adrian Gary, Janell Gary, Melvin Carter, and Andrea Mosley; three sisters, Linda Rahming, Marilyn Hudgon of Bridgeton, and Pearl Jone of Millville; three brothers, Richard (Gloria) Kates, Charles Kates of Vineland, and Raymond Kates of Bridgeton; Fifteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by; his brothers, John, Lenzy, Alexander, and Harry Kates; and his longtime companion Tina Marie Johnson. Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Monday, November 14th at Glory Tabernacle, 1018 Buckshutem Rd., Bridgeton, NJ 08302. Friends will be received at the church from 9 AM to 11AM prior to the services. Following the services, interment will take place at Overlook Cemetery, 100 Overlook Dr., Bridgeton, NJ 08302. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.