Roy Frank Cato's Obituary
Roy Frank Cato, 92 years of age, passed away on January 5, 2026, at Tranquility Hospice in Austell, Georgia. He was born on June 15, 1933, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Minnie and R.T. Cato. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Myrl Tuggle Griffith Cato; his brother, Glenn Cato; and his sister, Martha Cato Massengale Tinsley.
Raised by his aunt, Grace Cato Faulkner, in Austell, Roy never met a stranger and had such a love for life. As a child, he was a batboy for the Atlanta Black Crackers at Ponce de Leon Park. He graduated from Austell High School, where he excelled in sports, especially baseball. After high school, he played for Atlanta Crackers farm teams before joining the Army. Roy was stationed at Fort McPherson and played on the All-Army Baseball Team. His main position was as a catcher, but had a reputation for being able to play well anywhere. After leaving the Army, Roy played for the Atlanta Crackers and the Corpus Christi Clippers minor league teams - entertaining crowds with his ball-playing as well as his singing between innings. He eventually moved back to Austell to work for Austell Boxboard. Back in Cobb County, Roy spent many years coaching little league baseball; his stepson, Anthony, was fortunate enough to play for him. He was a member of the Lions Club and Austell First Methodist Church. Roy always had a deep love for his hometown. Along with fellow Lions Club and church friends (Bud Baxter, J.K. Jones, and David Collins), he created C.A.M.P., Christian Aid Mission Partnership, to provide basic necessities to families in the community at no cost. Roy collected housewares, clothing, and groceries on a weekly basis to stock the shelves at C.A.M.P.
Roy cherished his family deeply. He will be remembered by his devoted stepsons, Donald Griffith and Anthony (Alicia) Griffith; his grandchildren, Tony (Laurie) Griffith, David (Sara) Griffith, Jonathan (Amy) Griffith, Leigh Ann Phillips, and Stephen Brent (Tricia) Phillips; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Evan, Nicholas, Alex Katherine, Joshua (Scarlett), Rebekah, Hannah, Matthew, Caia, Isaac, Kaley (Brandon) Dejuliannie, and Megan Clackum; and several great great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his best friend and cousin, Larry Cato; his beloved niece, Sharon (Ricky) Ragan; his nephew Tim Massengale, and many cousins who were so dear to him. We will truly miss Roy’s servant spirit, joy of life, and dedication to his family.
Funeral Services will be held Sunday, January 11, 2026, 2:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel with Jonathan Griffith officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation prior to the service on Sunday from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Operation Heal our Patriots through Samaritan’s Purse.Donate here
What’s your fondest memory of Roy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roy?
Share a story where Roy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roy you’ll never forget.
How did Roy make you smile?
