William McLaughlin Tate Sr.

William M. Tate, 85, known by family and friends as Bill, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed peacefully January 5, 2018. He was born March 9, 1932 in Birmingham to Robert Greye Tate, Sr. and Myrtle Elizabeth McLaughlin. He graduated from Ensley High school, and grew up in the Ensley Highland Presbyterian Church and then attended the University of Alabama where he was Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He served as a member of the Army Security Agency during the Korean conflict, and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Alabaster, Alabama, and served in the choir of every church he attended. Bill spent his professional life as a C.P.A., was an opera lover, musical enthusiast, avid runner and an Alabama fan. He leaves behind his loving wife, Lois "Tootsie" Tate whom he met while they were attending the University of Alabama. They were married January 19, 1962. He also is survived by his sons and their wives, Mac (Lora) Tate and Greye (Nancy) Tate and was blessed with a grandson Greye Tate, Jr. He also leaves behind his twin brother and his wife Robert Greye (Ann) Tate, Jr. along with his wonderful extended family. Bill would have wanted everyone to remember as it says in EPHESIANS 4:32; "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." His celebration of life will take place Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Alabaster Baptist Church with Reverend Leon White, Reverend Mike Byars and Reverend Curtis A. Kelley. Visitation will be at 12:30pm with a service at 1:30pm. He will be interred in the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama. If you would like to honor Bill's memory, please make contributions to the VA in lieu of flowers.