James Richard "Jimmie" Tate Jr.

Born in Lynchburg, May 17, 1938, he was the son of the late J. Richard Tate, Sr. and the late Virginia Wells Tate Oliver.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Whitten Tate and his sister, Dianne T. Daniel of Birmingham, AL.

Jimmie was a retired electrician from Lynchburg Foundry Co. after 30 years of service and later worked at Mail America and Virginia ABC. He was a talented musician and won many awards playing his guitar, including Virginia State Guitar Champion for eight years. He was self-taught and began playing professionally at the age of 15. His music ability gave him the opportunity to open up and play with many country music artists, including the Statler Brothers, Connie Smith, Tanya Tucker, Dottie West and others over the years, as well as work recording sessions. Although he played for years with local bands, his greatest joy was playing his guitar at his church, Fort Hill United Methodist Church.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with the Rev. Liz Ecklund and the Rev. Janet Hawkins, officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m., to 9:00 p.m., Monday, July 14, 2014, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel and at other times at his residence.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Fort Hill United Methodist Church, 306 Oakridge Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24502.