Obituary of Robert Cameron Crates

Rear Admiral Robert C. Crates, SC, USNR (Retired) 78, a native of Chattanooga, TN passed away Saturday, August 10, 2019 at his home.

He graduated from the Bright School in 1953, the McCallie School in 1959 and the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a commission through the NROTC (Supply Option) Program.  Upon graduation from the Navy Supply Corps School in November 1963, he served on the USS PAWCATUCK (AO-108) as Assistant Supply Officer.

Upon release from active duty in Decemeber of 1965, Rear Admiral Crates returned home and joined SIMCO Leather Company (later Crates Leather), as Executive Vice President working as a team with his brother Daniel for the family business until his retirement in 1992.  At this point he became involved in many civic volunteer acitivities.  Rear Admiral Crates has been recalled to temporary active duty four times including Operations Desert Sheild and Desert Storm where he served as Deputy Commander, Navy Cargo Handling Force.  He has attended Harvard University's National Security Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, the Naval War College Junior Command and Staff Course and the Army War College Senior Reserve Officer Course.  He was selected for flag rank in 1992 and was promoted to Rear Admiral (Upper Half) in 1996.  Rear Admiral Crates retired from the Naval Reserve on April 1, 2000 after 38 years of distinquished Naval Service.

Rear Admiral Crates also served as a member of the Secretary of the Navy's National Naval Reserve Policy Board from 1994 to 1997.  Rear Admiral Crates has been awarded the Legion of Merit (with three gold stars), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal as well as other service awards.

As a Life Member of the Navy Supply Corps Association, he served as a national President in 1988-89 and National President of the Navy Supply Corps Foundation, Inc. in 1996-2000.

Some of his many civic activities include:  Past Chairman , East Chattanooga Council of the Chamber of Commerce, Past Vice-President and Board Member of the Hosanna Community of Chattanooga, a home for the physically challenged; Past Secretary, Treasurer and Board Member of the In-As-Much Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church as well as numerous other civic acitivties within the city of Chattanooga.  He was selected for a McCallie School Alumni Achievement Award in 2004.

Rear Admiral Crates was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. and Thelma Gleadhill Crates, his first wife Gladys H. Crates and his son, Robert Bruce Crates.  He is survived by his current wife, Jean Spears Crates; son, Dr. John Mark Crates; brother, Daniel M. (Elise) Crates; three grandchildren, Chandler, Cameron and Campbell; step-son, Borden Rhea (Celi) Hallowes, Jr; step-daughter, Suzanne Lynn Hallowes; niece, Cameron C. Matthews; great-nephew, Eric Matthews; great-niece, Tyler Matthews Smith and great-great-nephew, Rowan Smith.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, August 16, 2019 at 1: 00 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with Father Brad Whitaker officiating.  Inurnment will be at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.  Visitation for the family and friends will be at 12 p.m. as well as a reception following the service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Arrangements by Wann Funeral Home, 4000 Tennessee Ave. Chattanooga, TN 37409 (423) 821-7551.  Memories and condolences may be sent to www.wannfuneralhome.com