Born Aug. 25, 1925, in Spartanburg County, he was the son of the late Herbert and Bertis Mitchem Tate. Mr. Tate was a residential and commercial building contractor and a farmer. He was a member of Fairview Free Will Baptist Church.

Surviving family members include his wife, Georgia; a daughter, Betty Jo (BJ) Harris of Spartanburg; two grandsons and two great-granddaughters.

Also surviving are his sister, Rebecca (Becky) Abernathy of Campobello; three brothers, William Tate and Charles Tate of Spartanburg and James Tate of Inman; five nieces; one nephew; and a very special friend, Isaiah (Ike) Johnson. His extended family includes a stepdaughter, a stepson, and six step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ollie Eve Tate, after 40 years of marriage; and two brothers, Leonard Tate and Bobby Tate.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at Sunset Memorial Park, officiated by the Reverend Tim Hackett.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SRMC Hospice Fund, 120 Heywood Avenue, Suite 300, Spartanburg, S.C. 29302; or to Fairview Free Will Baptist Church, 2058 Chesnee Highway, Spartanburg, S.C. 29303.

An online guest register is available at www.floydmortuary.com.

Floyd&squo;s Greenlawn Chapel was in charge of arrangements.