David M. Cates *55

David Cates, retired professor of chemistry at North Carolina State University (NCSU), died March 17, 2019, at age 97.

During World War II, he served in England with the Army’s 8th Air Force as a B-17 radar gunner, flying many missions over Germany. In 1949 and 1951, respectively, Cates earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in textile chemistry from NCSU. He earned a master’s degree in 1954 and a Ph.D. in 1955 in chemistry from Princeton.

After Princeton, Cates returned to Raleigh, N.C., to teach and do research at NCSU. He remained for many years and saw many changes in the textile industry. He retired as a professor after 31 years.

Cates valued education and spent much of his life teaching students, his children, grandchildren, and himself. He was especially interested in math and science, but also had a very high regard for the English language.

Cates was predeceased by his wife, Mary. He is survived by two daughters and five grandchildren.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.