Obituary: Robert Lee “Bob” Cato
Robert Lee “Bob” Cato, 82, passed away on April 22, 2026, at his home.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, 2:00 PM, at Westminster United Methodist Church in Kinston, North Carolina. A visitation and reception will immediately follow in the fellowship hall.
Born on July 23, 1943, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Bob was the son of the late Sarah Hyatt Cato and James Carson Cato, and the brother of the late James Thomas “Tom” Cato (Uncle Tommy). He attended North Carolina State University, where he was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He went on to build a successful sales career with IBM, retiring in 1991. Following his retirement, he pursued his lifelong passion for the outdoors by founding Superior Wildlife Management Company, combining his love of land, wildlife, and conservation. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was known as a devoted friend to many and someone who made a lasting impression on all he met.
A fierce competitor and accomplished golfer, Bob won more than 60 tournament championships throughout his life, including 10 Kinston Country Club Championships, 8 Morehead City Seafood Invitational Championships, and the only father in the 58-year history to win the Carolinas Golf Association Father-Son tournament with two different sons. His competitive “spirit” defined not only his play, but the way he lived his life- with determination, discipline, and heart.
His love for the game was matched only by his passion for the outdoors, especially his annual month-long hunting trips to Saskatchewan, Canada, where he was able to show off his many Labrador retrievers he had trained into exceptional and champion dogs over the years.
Above all, Bob was a devoted father who took great pride in raising his two sons, teaching them not only the game of golf but the values of patience, discipline, and integrity that defined his life.
Bob will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his competitive spirit, and generous heart. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by brother, James “Tommy” Thomas Cato.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Margaret Hillen Cato, whom he married on June 29, 1968, after the two began dating on New Year's Eve in 1965. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and shared passions – a love story that spanned more than six decades.
Bob is also survived by his two sons, Robert Lee Cato Jr. and Michael Conner Cato (Anne). He was a proud grandfather to Parker and Andrew Cato, and a loving step-grandfather to Brennon and Landon Newell.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Bob’s honor to one of the following; Ducks Unlimited, 1 Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120-2350, or Folds of Honor, 5971 N. Patriot Drive, Owasso, OK 74055.
Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be made at www.edwardsfhc.com.
