Phil Tate

 

February 5, 1935 – December 28, 2013

 

Philip Leon Tate, age 78, passed away at home on December 28, 2013.  He was born in Birmingham, AL to Leon Tate and Mary Frances Tate.  He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patsy Hewston Tate, and three daughters, Delia Tate Brand (Alex), Pam Tate Johnson (Tom), Kim Tate Fountain (Russell), sister, Ginger Tate Wallace, seven grandchildren, Tate, Garrett, and Maggie Brand, Thomas and Amelia Johnson, Ellie and Shep Fountain, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

 

He was a member of Camden United Methodist Church.  He was a member of the local Masonic Lodge.  He was an avid reader and historian with a special interest in Wilcox County veterans.  He served in the United State Air Force for 4 years.  He was later active in the Alabama Civil Air Patrol, where he served as a Colonel and Alabama Wing Commander.  He attended the University of Alabama where he studied Engineering.  He was a lifelong fan of Alabama football and took great pride in being a freshman at Alabama the year Paul Bear Bryant arrived on campus.  He had the unique ability to also support the Auburn Tigers, as all three daughters were Auburn graduates.

 

His many hobbies included piloting airplanes, reading, and bragging on his grandchildren and daughters.  He was also a cycling enthusiast who competed in the Alabama Senior Olympics, and also completed a 100 mile “century” ride.

 

Services will be held at the Camden United Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 31, 2013.  Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., a memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Mr. Tate will be buried at the Carlowville Community Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camden United Methodist Church, the Carlowville Community Cemetery, or your favorite charity.

 

Online condolences may be made at www.dunklinanddanielsfh.com.

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