Gary Tate

Gary D. Tate, 64, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2015 in Abilene. His funeral service with Luke Sprayberry officiating will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 12th at Bethel Assembly Church, 101 Commercial Avenue in Anson, Texas with burial following in Aspermont Cemetery at Aspermont. Visitation is from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on Wednesday at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 HWY 277 South in Abilene.
Gary was born on June 25, 1951 in Lubbock the son of Jo Clark Tate and AA Tate. Growing up, he lived in Gail, Colorado City, Abilene and Breckenridge. He graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1969 and attended Cisco Junior College for one year before embarking on his dream of a successful career in the cattle business. Gary met the love of his life Kay Mitchell in 1963 in the halls of Breckenridge High School and they were married on August 18, 1970. They were blessed with two precious children, a daughter, Christian and a son, Rod and 45 years of treasured memories.
Gary was involved in anything and everything pertaining to the cattle industry. Throughout his career, he ran cattle in New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and all throughout Texas. In July of 1984, he purchased Haskell Livestock Auction with his father AA Tate and was a respected and vital part of the cattle auction community his entire adult life.
Gary loved his family and was always the head cheerleader at all events his children or grandchildren were involved in. He loved trips to the coast or the mountains and watching old western movies and sports of any kind. He and Kay enjoyed having friends and family in their home and Gary was always the life of the party making people laugh with his dry sense of humor.
Gary attended Bethel Assembly Church in Anson and had been a part of the Walk to Emmaus. He was a member of the National Cattleman's Association, the Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, and the Cattle Feeders Association. He was a supporter of the West Texas Rehab for many years through the Cattleman for Crippled Children program.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Kay Tate of Abilene; his daughter, Christian Tate of Abilene; his mother, Jo Tate of Aspermont; his grandchildren who lovingly called him "Pops," Hayden Tate of Stephenville, Tanner Nichols of Abilene, Meredith Tate of Abilene, and Chase and Katie Tate of Merkel; two sisters, Connie Benton and husband Ben of Haskell and Carla Clark and Larry of Aspermont; two sisters-in-law, Sue Deike and husband Michael of Abilene and Cherry Panez and husband Manuel of Colleyville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by his son, Rod Tate, his father, AA Tate, his brother, David Tate, and his father and mother-in-law, Glen and Cora Mitchell.
Pallbearers for the service will be his nephews, Chad Barr, Ryder Barr, Tom Middaugh, Madux Middaugh, Tripp Lethcoe, Tate Clark, Tye Clark, Dillion McLaury, AJ Benton.
Memorial donations are suggested to Hendrick Hospice Care or West Texas Rehab.
Memories may be shared with the family online at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
6:00-7:30 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Bethel Assembly
101 Commercial Avenue
Anson, TX  79501
Thursday, November 12, 2015
2:00 PM

Cemetery

Aspermont Cemetery
-
Aspermont, TX  -

Memorial Contributions

Hendrick Hospice CareHa
PO Box 1922
Abilene, TX  79604

West Texas Rehab Center
4601 Hartford Street
Abilene, TX  79605