Richard Dewey Cato

Rev. Richard Dewey Cato, 71, of Pleasant Grove, Alabama was welcomed into the portals of Heaven by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 3, 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dewey Edgar, Jr and Janice Carolyn Cato and their cat, Scooter Cato. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Essie McGaughy Cato; sister, Becky Sharritt (Ramon); brothers, Barry Cato (Vicki) and Kevin Cato (Samantha); two nieces and one nephew.

Bro. Rick was a graduate of Samford University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity Degree with the emphasis in Biblical Hebrew and Greek.

Bro. Rick pastored for 43 years and taught at Samford University Extension Division (Beeson Divinity School) for 25 years. He loved his involvement with the youth of the church. He cherished going to Children’s Camp, it was always a highlight of his ministry. He accompanied the youth in the church on many retreats and worked on many World Changer projects. Missions was also a ministry that he was passionate about, taking him on  10 trips to Nicaragua. Outside of his many passions while working within the church, he enjoyed the hobby of making knives.

The funeral services for Bro. Rick will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, 635 9th Way, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127. The visitation will be from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at Patterson-Forest Grove Memorial Gardens, 1498 5th Ave, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127. Rev. Scott Douglas and Rev. Neal Bruce officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Nicaragua Mission Fund c/o Bethel Baptist Church, 635 9th Way, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127.