Billy “Bill” Dean Tate left this world and passed into his heavenly reward to be with his personal Savior, Jesus Christ, for all eternity at 10:26 am on Friday, June 23, 2023, surrounded in love by his daughters and sons-in-law.
Bill was born on January 29, 1935 to his parents, Alice Eva (Tate) Odom and Wilfred Cortez Hamrick in Forest City, North Carolina.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Joyce (Slagle) Tate. He was also preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law Gareen and Burl Wellman.
Bill leaves behind his daughters, Vanessa (Tate) Lee and her husband Chris, and Connie (Tate) Kilpatrick and her husband Kent. He was blessed with three grandchildren, Dusty Lee and his wife, Heather, Andrew Kilpatrick and his wife, Nicole, and Matthew Kilpatrick, as well as two great-grandchildren, Cassidy Lee and Dylan Cook. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Bill worked most of his adult life at The Sun-Drop Bottling Company until his retirement after 43 years. While there, he worked several positions and was Plant Manager when he retired.
Bill enjoyed being with his family, going to the beach, fishing, boating and hunting. He loved the outdoors and he enjoyed gardening, hiking, bowling, baseball and watching NASCAR. Bill was especially devoted to his family and enjoyed day trips hiking in the mountains or fishing for flounder at the beach with them.
A service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Carothers Funeral Home, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Bill will be laid to rest next to his wife, Joyce, in The Singing Tower Garden of Gaston Memorial Park, immediately following the celebration of life service. Bill’s son-in-law, Reverend Chris Lee, will be the officiant.
Dusty Lee, Andrew Kilpatrick, Matthew Kilpatrick, Cassidy Lee, Dylan Cook, and Reggie Oakes, will be the pallbearers.
Fond memories of Bill and condolences for the family may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.
The family request that, in lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made in Bill’s memory to The Carpenter’s House Church, for exclusive use for Operation Christmas Child/Samaritan’s Purse – P.O. Box 51306, Piedmont, SC 29673.
The staff of Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Tate Family.
