Eugene Ray Tate

An inurnment service will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Ray was born in Danville, VA on August 24, 1940 to the late Hoyt Ray Tate and the late Katie Lou (Barnett) Tate. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, served in the Korean War, and worked as a computer scientist for the government. He was part of the team that helped to set-up the computer systems for NASA in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Ray Tate sang in a barber shop quartet and played the trombone. He sang old southern gospel in the church choir. Ray enjoyed puzzles, video games, the beach and mostly his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Francis (Tate) Farrington and Cumi Samantha (Tate) (Phizacklea) Graffius, and brother (William) Billy Tate, his daughter, Mary Catherin (Tate) Neill and his grandsons, Willie Reginald Gupton IV, and William Samuel Small.

He is survived by his sister, Barbara Anne (Tate) Beasley, two daughters, Sylvia Tate Pulliam and Jennifer Tate Small, Son-in-law Warren J. Small, two grandchildren, Amanda Lynn Pulliam and Braeden Asher Small, a great granddaughter, Cassie Rose Pulliam and many nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be made to the family at:

www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ray’s memory may be made to The 700 Club at CBN.com. Ray Tate was on the Board of Regents at Liberty University and Godfather to many children in need.

McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, North Carolina is honored to be assisting the Tate family.