Ronald Allen Tate

Grandpa, Storyteller, Photographer, Good Guy. These were the job titles on Ronald Allen Tate’s last business card. He passed away on August 22, 2024 in Grand Prairie, Texas, his home for the last 26 years. He was born to O.C. and Lorene Tate on March 25, 1941 and was raised in a company town at Richards Spur, Oklahoma (near Lawton). He was the third of six children; Janet Tate Cox (deceased), Morris Tate, Wilfred Tate, Jim Tate, and Elizabeth Tate Dierdorf. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Deanna Rae Wright Tate, son Roger Tate, daughter-in-law Terresa Tate, and two grandchildren, Meredith and Parker Tate.

From 1962 to 1967 he served in the United States Army Field Artillery, stationed in (West) Germany and at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He enlisted as a private and left as a commissioned officer, 1st Lieutenant, after graduating Officer Candidate School. After leaving the service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Central State University (now Univ. of Central Oklahoma). From 1969 to 1998, he was an insurance claims professional for CNA Insurance, based in Oklahoma City, Dallas, and Nashville. He was proud of being able to walk into difficult times in people’s lives and help them move forward.

He pursued his hobbies and service work with intensity, and is best known for setting up his photo studio on special days at church and for his public performances as a storyteller. Less obvious was that throughout his adult life, he gave time and attention to people and families that others overlooked because of their quirks or disabilities. In his retirement years, he rarely missed an event with his grandchildren, and his church family was always important to him.

A memorial service will be held for this “Good Guy” mid-day on September 21, 2024 at Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ, 6102 W. Pleasant Ridge Rd, Arlington, TX 76016. His ashes will be entombed at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on another date, not yet determined. Memorial gifts can be made in his name to Longhorn Council Boy Scouts of America, in Hurst, Texas.