Willie Lamar Kato, also known affectingly as "Wid" or "Marcy", age 78 of Port Orange, FL, passed away March 22, 2018, at Halifax Hospice following a brief illness. He was born July 22, 1939, in Jacksonville FL, spent his formative years in Alma, GA, but lived most of his life in Port Orange, FL. He graduated from Bacon County High School in 1957 and went on to serve in the US Navy from 1957 to 1960. He retired in 1997 from the US Postal service as a letter carrier after 31 years of employment.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie & Vera Kato, one sister, Evelyn Bowman, and brother-in-law Sterling Bowman all of Alma, GA.

Willie is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Ruth Douglas Kato; three sons Jeff Kato (Stacey), of Port Orange, FL, Gary (Jana) and Gregory Kato, both of East Point, GA; two grandchildren Zachary Kato of South Daytona, FL, and Tyler Kato of Port Orange, FL; one great-granddaughter, Anna Marie Kato of South Daytona, FL; two sisters, Willene (Larry) Christopher of Blairsville, GA; Suzi White (Mike) of Alma, GA, and one brother, Terry Kato (Georgia) of Douglasville, GA and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his very special cat, Black Jack.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 30, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Alma Church of God with Pastor Travis Peavy officiating. A graveside memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Halifax Hospice in Port Orange, FL, 32129.