Carlos "Chic" Tate

CHURCH HILL – Carlos “Chic” Tate, 87, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at his home with his family by his side.

He grew up in Surgoinsville with his eleven brothers and sisters. He enjoyed his favorite sport of basketball during his high school years. After serving in the U. S. Navy, he worked at JP Stevens and then Holston Defense where he worked until retirement. After retiring from Holston Defense, he enjoyed working as a substitute teacher at Volunteer High; where he loved his students and they loved him in return. He was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church where he was involved with the Senior Program. He was a loving and supportive husband, dad, and papaw. Over the years, the grandchildren and great grandchildren could count on their papaw being one of their biggest supporters. He enjoyed attending any sports event or any event that they considered special to them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William “W.M.” and Madgie Tate; brothers, William, Jr., George, Eidson, Kenneth, and Joe; sisters, Hattie Mae Cox, Ruth Starnes, Alberta Shelton, and Bobbie Lou Britton.

Chic is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Wanda; daughter, Robin VanZant (Larry); son, Wayne Tate; grandchildren, Candice VanZant Cradic (Tony), Trey VanZant (Christian), Logan (who he helped to raise as his own son) and Josie Tate, Chase and Shae Tate; great grandchildren, Carlee and Eden Cradic and Tristan VanZant; sisters, Carolyn Lane (Bobby) and Nancy Rhea (Mac); a host of nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

A visitation will be held from 1:30 – 3:00 PM on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at the Johnson – Arrowood Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Mitch Russell and Rev. Earl Dunn officiating. Music will be provided by Jamey and Lori Lane. The burial will follow in Church Hill Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice especially Dana, Amanda, Becky, and Rick. Thank you to Tyrel for being with us the day of his passing. A heartfelt thank you to our many friends and family for their love, encouragement and support over the past several months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Freewill Baptist Church or a charity of choice in his memory.