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Lucy Ann Bridges Cates passed peacefully on January 6, 2021 just shy of her 86th birthday.
She was born on February 11, 1934 in a family residence in Socrum, and spent nearly her entire life in the state of Florida. Lucy Ann graduated from Haines City High School in 1950 at the age of 15. She was an expert rifle marksman and could outshoot all the boys on the ranch in Loughman. Lucy served for several years at Pan American in the missile program on the Space Coast as a Transportation Administrative Assistant. This is where she met, and then married, the love of her life, Bob Cates, in 1957. Lucy had a flair for the creative: calligraphy, crafts, floral design, fashion, and especially music.
Lucy and Bob moved to California for several years where their raised their only son, Robert Christopher, and moved back to the Socrum area for retirement; a promise Bob made her upon agreeing to ever leave her beloved state of Florida. They enjoyed a full and happy life together for over 60 years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John David Bridges and Rosemary Cox Bridges and her husband, Robert M. Cates ‘Bob.’ Lucy will lovingly be remembered by her family and friends. She brought an energy and light to all that is missed deeply.
Graveside Services will be held on Friday, June 25th at 4 p.m. at Socrum Cemetery in Lakeland. A light supper and sweets will be served after the service- just how Lucy would have wanted it. Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes.
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