William (Bill) Jeremiah Cate

William (Bill) Jeremiah Cate, of Devine, Texas, passed away on August 5, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Bill was born on April 27, 1975, in El Paso, Texas, to William (Bill) Dale Cate and Carol Savage.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Savage; his maternal grandparents, Tharon and Mable Savage; and his paternal grandparents, Irvin Wesley and Margaret Ann Cate.

He is survived by his beloved son, Cody Cate of San Antonio; Cody’s mother, Sterrin (Kelly) Brown of San Antonio; his father, Bill (Marilyn) Cate of Port Richey, FL; his sister, Mandi (Jim) Wilcox; his brother, Chris (Britta) Stone; nephews, Christopher and Brent Wilcox, Tharon and Caleb Stone; nieces, Faith and Olivia Wilcox, Kaylnn Stone; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Bill loved Jesus and wanted everyone around him to know Him. He lived an adventurous life—filled with both danger and joy. Always willing to help someone in need, he would literally give his last dime or the shirt off his back if someone needed it.

Growing up, Bill loved spending time outdoors, camping and hunting with his friends, and living off the land. He excelled as a Warhorse football player, giving his all to be the best he could be. He also rode bulls for several years during and after high school.

The thing he was most proud of in life was his son, Cody Blue. He adored him from the moment he was born and did his best to be a loving father. He was incredibly proud of all Cody’s accomplishments, including his service in the Army.

As many people know, Bill struggled with addiction for many years. Even during his darkest times, he remained one of the hardest-working and kindest people you could meet. He gave his all—whether it was at work or helping others. He started working in the watermelon fields in Devine around the age of 11 or 12 with Bob Brown and continued working until the day he passed away.

Bill had been sober for the past year and was doing well. He was working for a dirt company in Devine and was deeply grateful to Mike, who gave him a chance, saw the person he was beyond his past, and became his friend.

Recently, Bill had been saying, "Memento mori"—Latin for "remember that you must die"—and expressed peace about the idea. For the first time in a long time, he felt comfort in knowing that if he were to die, his family and friends wouldn’t have to wonder if it was from an overdose or violence—because he was doing well.

He lived in Devine during the week but chose to return to his home in the woods in San Antonio to be with his girlfriend, Jill, and her son. He still hoped they would come to know God and find healing.

Anyone who knew Bill likely has a hundred stories about the fun and wild times they shared with him. He wouldn’t want a bunch of flowers—he would want people to treat everyone as human, from the homeless person on the street to the wealthy person in a mansion. He believed in people and in helping others.

In Bill’s memory, treat everyone with kindness and without judgment. Do something good for someone in need. Bill didn’t live a perfect life—he fought many battles—but he lived a life that mattered. He always loved Jesus and believed it was his mission to share God’s love, especially with the homeless and those struggling like he once did.

There will be a Graveside service in honor of Bill’s life on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine, Texas, at 9 A.M.

Services are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services in Devine, Texas.