Earl Ray Tate

Earl was born on February 18, 1932, in Snyder, Texas. Following his graduation from high school, he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Navy at the age of 19. He served aboard a destroyer during the Korean War, an experience that reflected his commitment to duty and service.

After completing his military service, Earl continued his education at Abilene Christian University, graduating in 1957. He then began what would become a lifelong career in education. Teaching was more than a profession to Earl; it was a calling and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as Superintendent of Schools in both Paradise and Pilot Point, Texas. He was a longtime member of the Texas State Teachers Association and later served as President of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, continuing his dedication to education and the teachers who shaped future generations.

On July 4, 1958, Earl married the love of his life, Keitha Latham. Their marriage of 62 years was built on love, faith, and devotion until her passing in 2021. Together, they created a family and a lifetime of memories that remain a lasting part of their legacy.

Earl's faith was the foundation of his life. He was deeply involved in the church throughout his lifetime and faithfully served in numerous leadership roles, including Bible class teacher, song leader, and Elder. His commitment to his faith and his willingness to serve others were evident in the way he lived each day.

Outside of his professional and church commitments, Earl enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He had a passion for reading and could often be found working on a crossword puzzle. He loved to travel and, most of all, treasured the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family was his greatest blessing, and he took great joy in watching each generation grow.

Earl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Keitha; his parents; an older brother, Arlan, and sister, Nelle; and his twin sister, Merle.

He leaves behind a loving family who will cherish his memory, including his three children: Treva Tate of Fort Worth; Trona Milano and her husband, Frank, of Crowley; and Sheldon Tate and his wife, Rena, of Houston.

He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Cristyl Chance, Cayce Dickinson, Jeremy Dickinson and his wife, Amanda, Brynli Clayton, Tate Williamson, Kennedy Norman and her husband, William, Lauren Hawkins and her husband, Josh, Britney Skinner and her husband, Corbin, Amanda Tate and her fiancé, Joseph Dreizler, and Michael Tate; along with 17 great-grandchildren and another great-grandchild on the way.

Earl's life was defined by his faith, his commitment to education, his service to others, and his unwavering love for his family. He touched countless lives as a teacher, leader, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the faith he shared, and the love he gave will live on through the many lives he influenced and the generations of family who carry his legacy forward.

His was a life well lived, a faith well kept, and a legacy that will never be forgotten.

The family invites relatives and friends to a visitation on Sunday November 15th from 4-6 pm at Laurel Land Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 7100 Crowley Road, Fort Worth, TX with funeral services to be held on Monday November 16th at 10 am at West Freeway Church of Christ, 1900 Las Vegas Trail, Fort Worth, TX

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of Earl’s favorite charities:

Cook Children’s Medical Center

The American Cancer Society

The Alzheimer’s Association

The Arthritis Foundation

A graveside service will follow at Laurel Land Memorial Park - FW, 7100 CROWLEY RD, FORT WORTH, TX 76134, US, on November 16, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.