Robert Cornell Tate

Robert “Bob” Cornell Tate, 93, of Indianapolis, IN passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Waynesville, NC, he was the son of Thomas and Nell Tate. Bob moved to Maryland as a young child with his family.

A talented self-taught mandolin player, Bob, spent many hours perfecting his craft. Bob and his older brother Jim, who played the guitar, formed “The Tate Brother’s” in the 50’s and together they performed at various churches and faith revivals.

Bob met the love of his life, Helen, with whom he shared sixty-eight, wonderful years of marriage with. Their partnership was a testament to love and commitment, filled with laughter and support. Bob & Helen built their home in Dayton, MD where they raised their daughter and lived for sixty years. Bob and Helen were fortunate to have their extended families in the surrounding area where they enjoyed many gatherings and celebrations together.

Bob developed a love for Bluegrass music and enjoyed traveling to many festivals and picking sessions over the years where he made many lifelong friendships with his wife by his side. Bob had a thirty-year career at Westinghouse before retiring. Bob will be deeply missed, but lovingly remembered as a wonderful dad and loving grandfather, for his musical talent, compassion, patience, giving spirit and love of nature. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Nell Tate, wife, Helen, brother, Jim, and step- brother, Landford Hall. Bob survives by his devoted daughter, Cindy Smith (Ken) of Carmel, grandchildren, Preston and Caroline and many nieces and nephews.