John Carroll Cato

The following obituary is being shared as a courtesy to the local family and friends of Mr. Cato. Mr. Cato's son, Patrick, is the owner of Cato's Monuments and Services that has helped countless families in our area with death date engravings and monument work. On behalf of the MRC Funeral Home family, we extend our love and prayers to the family. For directions or more information, please visit www.baumgartnerfh.com

John Carroll Cato, most affectionately known as Bud, returned to his heavenly home on May 22, 2025, at the age of 82, in the same town where his story began, Pageland, South Carolina. Born on December 14, 1942, John's life was a testament to the values of love, devotion, and service, qualities that he embodied until his last breath.

John was preceded in death by his loving parents, Floyd and Nezzie Cato of Pageland and his brothers and sisters: James F. Cato, Thayer C. Richardson, twin Sister Carolyn C. Mills, Linda C. Crowe and Eunice C. Smith. John is survived by two additional siblings: Barbara C. Threatt of Augusta, GA and Julian Cato of Chesterfield, SC.

At the heart of John's world was his beloved wife, Sally Funderburk Cato, the love of his life. They were married for 59 1/2 years which began on January 29, 1966 during one of the biggest snow storms for the area. Together, they nurtured a family that grew to include their sons, John Stuart Cato (Glenda), Andrew Craig Cato (Dede), Patrick Wayne Cato (Joyce), and their daughter, Ashley Cato Fisher (Steve). John's legacy further blossomed with the joys of his grandchildren: John Blake Cato (Katie), Brandi Cato Hicks (Garrett), Brittany Cato Miles (Jamison), Andrew Kyle Cato (Catherine), Patrick Cannon Cato (Alyxis), Stephen Seth Fisher (Katlyn), Cody Louis Fisher, Kaylee RaeAnn Cato (Hudson), and Kaden William Cato. He also has 4 beautiful great granddaughters: Brynn Cato, Summer Joe Cato, Mallory Cato, and Lillian Hicks.

John's journey commenced in the heart of Pageland, where he would grow to become a pillar of the community. His early years were marked by his athletic prowess, as he shone on the football field playing for the Pageland Tigers. Graduating from Pageland High School in 1961, he carried the discipline and teamwork he learned as an athlete throughout his life. Shortly after graduation, John answered the call of duty and enlisted in the United States Navy. His four years of service took him across the Atlantic to Scotland, where he served his country with honor and pride.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, He returned to Pageland, SC where he worked as an electrician for Lynches River Electric Cooperative for 34 years and was widely known for the service he provided. He also embarked on a successful 22-year career in farming, specializing in raising turkeys. His love for the land was only matched by his passion for the great outdoors. An avid outdoors-man, John cherished the times he spent hunting with his sons and his faithful lemon and white bird dogs, Dan and Lady. Fishing was another pastime that brought him immense joy, sharing laughs and creating memories with family and friends as they cast their lines into the tranquil waters.

John's unwavering faith and devotion were evident to all who knew him. As a lifelong member of Pageland United Methodist Church, he lived his faith as a devoted Christian, leading by example and touching the lives of many through his generous spirit and friendly demeanor.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing John would describe him as a man of loving kindness, a generous soul always ready to lend a helping hand. His presence brought comfort and joy to those around him, and his absence will be deeply felt by all including the ones who affectionately knew him as Daddy and Papa.

John's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, commitment, and community service. His was a life well-lived, filled with the simple pleasures that come from a life centered around family, faith, and the great outdoors. As the sun sets on his earthly journey, his spirit continues to shine brightly in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

The family will meet for a graveside service on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Rose Hill Cemetery in Pageland, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pageland United Methodist Church, PO Box 25, Pageland, SC 29728 or Agape Hospice Care, 311 B North Main St., Lancaster, SC 29720 to which the family is eternally grateful for the care and compassion they showed during this difficult time.

Arrangements are entrusted to Baumgartner Funeral Home of Pageland, South Carolina (www.baumgartnerfh.com).