Harriett M. and Foster M. Tate

On March 31, 1936, Foster Morgan Tate Jr. was born in Dayton, Tennessee. Almost an April Fools Day baby, he was blessed with a dry sense of humor and wit. On September 27, 1939, Harriett Lavon Martin was born in White Oak, Tennessee. She was the apple of her parent’s eye and loved by everyone she met. Through moves by both families, Foster and Harriett met at Red Bank High School. They were three years apart, but they were both in the band, Foster playing the baritone and Harriett playing the bells. Foster graduated in 1953 and enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he studied engineering, was in ROTC, and was in the band. Harriett graduated in 1957 and enrolled at Carson-Newman University studying for her career as an elementary school teacher. Back in Chattanooga during the summer, Harriett got a job handing out flyers for a local political candidate and Foster just happened to pass by. A love was soon kindled and on August 30, 1959 the two were married. Children came in 1960 and 1962 as Randy and Julie blessed their lives. Foster served his country in the Army for five years and there is not a truer patriot. He was a private pilot and in his later years served in the Civil Air Patrol. Harriett taught many children in elementary and middle schools. She played the organ at their home churches in Chattanooga, Houston, and briefly in Birmingham and enjoyed crafts, ceramics, and entertaining. Job changes moved them to Houston, Texas; Greenville, South Carolina; and Birmingham, Alabama. Foster retired after 56 years as a professional engineer, and Harriett retired after 34 years of teaching. Sixty-five years of marriage increased their family to include seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren who loved the many gatherings at Gram and Pappy’s house.

Harriett and Foster loved to travel. Every summer as a young family, there were trips to the beaches of Florida or the mountains of Tennessee. For 45 years, every Saturday during the fall was a trip to the University of Tennessee football games. As young adults Randy and Julie experienced many exciting trips with their parents within the United States. As their families grew, Harriett and Foster expanded their travels to include all modes of travel – oceanic, transatlantic, and river cruises; a few years traveling and camping the US in their motor home; transcontinental train excursions; group bus tours; and flying to hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, or resorts were enjoyed together, sometimes including their children, grandchildren and parents. Friends were met on every trip and added to their expanding Christmas card list. Their adventures included all 50 states, all providences of Canada, many of Mexico’s states and the Panama Canal. Through it all, they stepped on every continent except for Antarctica.

In 2017, Harriett was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease which limited their travels. They moved to a retirement home with lots of activities, but apartment living was not an answer for them. After a few years, they found a small house with a screened-in deck on the back. That was perfect for them to relax and enjoy life. Harriett’s health declined steadily, but

Foster never gave up on caring for his bride – even when she became bedridden and needed caregivers to help him. On May 6, 2025, Foster was taken to the hospital with COPD and congestive heart failure. At 89 years old, his body could not recover and eventually gave-in to kidney failure. On May 21, 2025 around 2:00 a.m., he exhaled his last breath. His spirit must have traveled from the hospital to their home to pick up his bride, as Harriett passed away around 7:00 a.m.

What a trip they are experiencing now together. Both in glorified bodies traveling and talking with their Savior, Jesus Christ in Heaven. Forever in love and forever together for eternity.