1963-2025
Ronald “Ronnie” Dobbs Cates, 61, was called home to be with the Lord on February 15, 2025. He passed peacefully at his home in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Born in Malvern, Arkansas, to Dennis and Betty Cates, Ronnie was a bright light from the very beginning. As a young boy, he spent his days working at his father’s grocery store, sketching his artistic dreams onto paper, or playing football for the Malvern Leopards. When he became an uncle, his playful heart shined even brighter—whether he was building forts in the living room or sharing endless laughs with his nieces and nephews, he always made time for the people he loved.
Ronnie was a firm believer that if you loved what you did, you’d never work a day in your life. After graduating from Henderson State University, he followed his passion and founded Cates and Company. In 2001, he took that passion a step further and launched Smoke on the Water Productions, spending the next 24 years creating barbecue competitions that brought people together from all over the country. Smoke on the Water grew into one of America’s premier barbecue festivals, welcoming over 20,000 visitors and 150 of the world’s top professional cook teams. But for Ronnie, it was never just about the business—it was about the friendships, the laughter, and the memories made over a plate of great BBQ. He lived for good food, good company, and a good time.
Ronnie’s love for football ran just as deep, especially when it came to his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks. He never missed a chance to cheer on his team, whether from the stands, a tailgate, or the comfort of home. He was often caught calling the Hogs with enthusiasm., and his excitement on game days was nothing short of contagious.
But of all the things Ronnie loved, nothing came close to the pride and joy he found in being a father. His greatest accomplishment wasn’t in business or awards—it was in every heartbeat of his greatest blessing, his daughter, Kirbi. She was the light of his life, and anyone who knew Ronnie knew just how much he adored her. Being Kirbi’s dad was the honor of his life, and his love for her will live on in her kindness, her generosity, and the way she carries his legacy forward.
Ronnie was blessed with amazing friends and influencers in his life. To quote a dear friend, “There were very few people Ronnie disliked, a lot of people he liked, and a small circle he loved with everything he had”
Ronnie is survived by his beloved daughter, Kirbi Cates of Alexander, Arkansas; his brother-in-law, Tim Ratcliff of Carthage, Texas; and his sister-in-law, Kim Cates of Longview, Texas, Wes and Leilani Anderson, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. Special friends who became family, Kelli Kelley (who gave him his pride and joy), Cari Cates, Tommy Palmer, Drake Palmer, Stacy Haynes, Denny Teeter, and John Possum Prince.
He is reunited in Heaven with his parents, Dennis and Betty Cates, his sister, Belinda Cates Ratcliff, and his brother, Eddie Cates.
A visitation will be held at J.A. Funk Funeral Home in Malvern, Arkansas, on Thursday, February 20th, from 4:00-6:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate the incredible life of Ronnie Cates, a man who made the world brighter with his laughter, his kindness, and his unwavering love for those around him.
