J.T. Tate - Blytheville

Friday, June 4, 2004

J.T. Tate, 81, of Blytheville died Tuesday, May 25, 2004, at Regional Medical Center of NEA.

Born in Dell, he served in the Army during World War II, received a bachelor of science degree in 1951 from then-Arkansas State College and was a lifelong area resident. He worked as the manager-superintendent for Dell Compress for 34 years and was a recorder, mayor and water commissioner for the city of Dell. He was a member and past president of the Dell Kiwanis Club, a former member of the Dell School Board and a member of Dell Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, Sunday school superintendent, training union leader and song leader.

Survivors include his wife, Ella Tate of the home; two daughters, Diane Somers of Blytheville and Rebecca Sullivan of Gosnell; two sisters, Blue Belle Wisdom of Farmington, Mo., and Opal Barrett of Springfield, Mo.; two grandchildren, Tracie Herron O'Dell and Michael Sullivan of Jonesboro; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A.E. and Frances Berry Tate.

The funeral was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the chapel of Cobb Funeral Home in Blytheville with Rev. Roland Chappell and Rev. Kenny Pruett officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family requests anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial consider the Dell Baptist Church Building Fund, in care of Dell Baptist Church, 222 Wilson, Dell, AR 72426.