Eric M. Tate was born in Mississippi and was the fourth born of five children. He and his brothers were orphaned at a young age and spent much of their lives shuffled between relatives, until he branched out to make his own way.
He led an interesting and diversified life which included two tours in the navy where he traveled the world, and later drove 18-wheelers across the nation. He also had a successful career operating heavy machinery and supervising job sites for construction.
Eric is survived by his beloved wife of almost forty five years, Winn Tate, and his family members, John Robert (Bob) Tate (Laurie), Jennifer Hopper (Chris), Landen, Layla, Melissa Stevens (Josh), Emma, Noah, Beth Summers (Robert), Christy Bailey (Don), Gracie, Kinzie, Rebecca Summers (Daniel Eichlin), Regina Orsak, Natalie Neff (Larry), William, Emily, Tim Orsak (Debbie), Samantha, Katherine, Emily Hyde (Jason), Ava, Finley, Lachlan, Ramona Wood (Steve), Heather Griffin (Ben), Audrey, Clara, Isabelle, Marian Dunn (Tommy), Vanessa, Willy, Gus, Bridget Wood, Rebecca Bounds (Dennis), Adriane Hendee (Benjamin), Cameron Bounds, & Juliane Young (Michael).
He was an amazing man, who over the years, has served as a mentor and made an impression on many as a fine example. He will be forever remembered for his humble strength and is loved and missed dearly.