Wayne Palmer Tate, age 76, of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Monday, August 1, 2022. Wayne was born July 16, 1946 and was preceded in death by his parents John Palmer Tate and Ruth Wentling Graves as well as two brothers Christopher and Eugene Tate.
Wayne was born at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia and spent his early childhood in Chestertown on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Spending his teen years in New Jersey; he graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven High School. He attended York College in Pennsylvania. Wayne was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served as a Staff Sergeant in Viet Nam receiving the Bronze Star. He retired from Nissan/DAS as Director of Port Operations after thirty-six years. Following his retirement, Wayne served as a wine taster at The Fresh Market at Hilltop for more than ten years. He loved traveling and sailing. He was an avid golfer and wine enthusiast.
Survivors include his loving wife of fifty years Claudia Diane Tate; son Benjamin Palmer Tate, his wife Kristyn and granddaughter Reagan along with numerous extended family and beloved friends.
Wayne and Claudia loved traveling; visiting over fifty-six countries. Most recently celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary on May 6, 2022 in Rome with their son and daughter-in-law. His sailing adventures began at the age of five at the Chestertown Yacht and Country Club continued in New Jersey at the Monmouth Boat Club. A highlight was the opportunity to helm America's Cup Champion Stars & Stripes in St. Maarten. Wayne and Claudia are members of the USGA playing golf around the World most memorably at St. Andrews Links. To enhance his enjoyment of wine, Wayne attended wine tasting courses at Old Dominion University under the late Dr. Roy Williams. This is what led to his "job" at The Fresh Market.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Smith & Williams Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 8, 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com for the Tate family.
