Damen Cates, 48, of Winston-Salem passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026 while at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center following a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on June 8, 1978 in DuPage County, Illinois, a son of Steven Vaughn Cates and Sandra Larrick Cates.  Damen loved the Georgia Bulldogs, Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Panthers, hiking, and traveling. His greatest love was for his family and he fought valiantly to stay as long as possible for his loved ones.  Damen is now able to rest pain free. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Louise and Lynn H. Larrick; and paternal grandfather, Paw Paw Randall M. Cates.

Surviving to lovingly cherish his memory is his wife, Sarah Idol Cates of the home; daughter, Sophia Cates of the home; parents, Sandra and Steven Cates of Eden; brother, Justin Cates and wife Tammy; niece, Savanah Cates; grandmother, Mary Cates; mother and father-in-law, Amber and Tim Idol; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4:30 until 6:30 PM on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at J.C. Green and Sons Funeral Home in Wallburg, 10301 N. NC Hwy 109, Winston-Salem.  Family request informal dress and favorite team wear.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the family home.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Project Purple at www.projectpurple.org. Project Purple works tirelessly to raise awareness, fund research, and support those going through their journey