Johnny Cato

CATO, Johnny Rhea
Salt Springs – Johnny Rhea Cato, 68, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2015.  Born July 23, 1947 in Plant City, FL, to J.E. Cato and Pauline Cato.  He has resided in Marion County for over 30 years, after moving from Plant City. He worked for Cone Distributing for over 20 years in Quality Control.

Johnny was well known in the community for conducting Charity Auctions and was always the first to help a friend (or stranger) in need.  He raised thousands of dollars over the years and his events were the source of many good times.  His charming personality was able to get the last dollar out of anyone who happened to glance his way.  Johnny the Auctioneer will be missed by many.

We are sure the Shell Crackers and Speckled Perch along the Barge Canal and in Lake Woodruff will not miss the sly fisherman and his girlfriend as they loaded the boat many the day.  Johnny sunk one boat during a fierce storm and caught two engines on fire - but still managed to  talk his girlfriend back out to find another fish.  He even caught the same fish twice on one expedition!

While Johnny could not read a note of music - put him with his buddies and he could play his bass to any song they might lay down.  Every once in awhile, if the crowd looked like they were dozing off - he would slap his bass and spin it around - never missing a note.

Dancing came naturally to him.  When Johnny came out to dance, he could have his choice of partners - but somehow he managed to always end up dancing with his favorite partner, Joanne.

How to describe Johnny?  Start with fun-loving, great sense of humor, quiet but at the same time saying what he meant and meaning what he said.  You always knew where you stood with Johnny.  His friends would often say, "tell us how you really feel, Johnny."  Most important the size of his heart knew no limits.  If Johnny was your friend, you had a friend for life.  If Johnny gave you his word, you could take it to the bank.  There was never an opportunity that Johnny didn't do the right thing - sometimes at great personal sacrifice.  If you were down and out, just ask Johnny for a helping hand.  That was the Johnny we all knew and loved.

He is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Joanne Jones; sons, Justin Cato, Jason Cato; sister, Carmen Cato; granddaughter, Ashley Cato; grandsons, Joey and Brendan Cato; and beloved cousins Leroy and Tincy Futch.  Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 1, 2015 at Countryside Funeral Home, Anthony, FL, with good friend, John Simpson officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the VFW Post 10208, Salt Springs, FL.