Kenneth Tate

CHURCH HILL- Kenneth Tate, 74, passed away after an extended illness with his wife by his side on Friday (August 16, 2016)What began as a hobby of small engine repair gave him the opportunity to teach small engine repair classes for Kingsport Adult Education for several years. Later he opened and was president of Tate’s Small Engine, Inc. He loved riding his Honda Goldwing and was pleased he has toured 49 states, Canada and Mexico. Kenneth was fortunate to be able to visit all 4 corners of North America. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Church Hill, where he served as a deacon and loved cooking for the youth and their mission meals. He was a Gideon and a past governor of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 972. Kenneth was also an avid RV’er, traveling across the US many times. He was a people person. He enjoyed sitting in a rocking chair just watching people, especially at Walt Disney World.He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Tate, sister, Elaine, and brothers-in-law, Lyle Sandidge and Doran Fletcher.He is survived by his faithful wife of 52 years, Glenda Fletcher Tate; sons, Dr. Brian K. Tate and wife, Tonya; Curtis Glen Tate and wife, Lisa; his very dear grandchildren, Mackenzie, Kendrick, Zoee, and Heather; sister, Wanda Campbell and husband, Charles; a beloved nephew, Mark Sandidge; sisters-in-law, Dr. Karla F. Kyte and husband, Larry, and Peggy Flectcher.Calling hours are from 5 to 7:00 P.M. Monday at Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home.Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. Monday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Gary Gerhardt officiating.Graveside services will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at Oak Hill Cemetery. Everyone is asked to meet at the funeral home by 9:15 A.M. to go in procession.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Church Hill or to Gideon International.Heartfelt thanks to the special caregivers at Church Hill Health Care, Avalon Hospice, and Kenneth’s many caring nurses and doctors of Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center and the network of medical staff that looked over Kenneth for many years.To leave an online message, please visit us at www.jfhonline.comJohnson-Arrowood Funeral Home of Church Hill is serving the Tate family with honor.