Bennie Cato

Mr. Jerry Bennie Cato, age 89, of Milner, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Benjamin "Pee Wee" Cato and Erma Allmon Cato, brother, Billy Cato, mother of his children, Frances G. Cato.

Bennie grew up in Thomaston and moved to Milner in 1949, where he and his parents owned Pee Wee's BBQ, and sold peanuts, homemade candy, pork skins and BBQ.

Bennie's skills for cooking came from being a mess sergeant in the National Guard for 13 years. Pee Wee's was a thriving business until the opening of I-75.  Bennie saw an opportunity to place his products in filling stations along the interstate from Locust Grove to Perry.  Later on, he began cooking catfish and chitlins on Thursday nights.  Many people lined up to enjoy his food, thus naming the store "Pee Wee's Supper Club"!

One of Bennie's proudest accomplishments was driving a Lamar County School bus for 43+ years, safely transporting three generations of students. He was a man of many talents. He graciously used those talents to help his family and many others.  He could build or attempt to build just about anything. His family kept him busy with numerous projects which he loved.

He was baptized at Milner Baptist Church in 1955, and remained a member there.

Bennie had a full life loving and spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, frog gigging, gardening, farming, raising all kinds of animals and driving a tractor at The Rock Ranch.

He is survived by his wife: Angela McDaniel Cato; children: Ricky Cato, Michelle Freeman, Barry Cato (Beth), Cindy Hudson, Amy Harrill and Janet Heath; grandchildren: Chad Cato, Kathryn McFarlan, Christy Baker (Bill), Grant Cato (Clarisse), Kyle Cato (Heather), Adam Hudson (Katlyn), Kayla Cato, Lauren Epperson, Katie Harrill, Tyler Cato, Matthew Harrill (Ashley), Benjamin Heath-Hardy; great-grandchildren: Rebecca and Madison Cauthen, Devin Cato (Caitlyn), Alaina Cato, Brylee Tillery, Jake McFarlan, Cohen and Landon Epperson, Karli, Kyndall and Kaci Cato, Addyson, Brycen and Evelyn Harrill, Mary Frances Hudson, Weston Cato; sister-in-law: Helen Cato; a niece, nephew and cousins.

Friends may visit the family on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the funeral home.

A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m., in the Milner Baptist Church Cemetery, 107 Pecan Drive, Milner. His brother-in-law, Pastor Ben Dunn will officiate.