Ardell was born in Visalia, California on April 26, 1945 to Aubrey Oval Tate and Gracie Vicie Adkisson Tate. He was raised and educated in Visalia, graduating from Redwood High School with the Class of 1964. His sister Oveda remembers how he was her protector when they were young. He went to Arkansas where he met Patsy Ruth Burns, the love of his life. Together they owned and operated a chicken and turkey ranch there in Arkansas for a few years. Ardell and Pat returned to Visalia in 1991 when his brother, Keith Tate passed away. Ardell was a disc jockey in his younger years , worked for many years as an Appliance Repairman for Sears and later he became a Real Estate Agent for over 10 years. He enjoyed golfing, traveling and was an avid reader. Ardell had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. He was proudest of his mechanical talents – he could fix just about anything. Ardell is remembered as a very sweet man, loving and kind but pretended not to be.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Gracie, two brothers, Keith and Randall and a sister Veneda and his wife of 28 years, Patsy Ruth Burns.
Conway is survived by his daughter, Melissa Farncomb of Plymouth, NH and his sister Oveda Foster and husband Niessen of Visalia; Darrell Tate of Springdale, AR and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 22, 2018 from 3 – 7 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia, CA. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 23, 2018 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Conyer & Tulare Avenue in Visalia, CA. Burial will follow at Visalia Public Cemetery, 1300 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.
