Lee Roy Tate

Lee Roy Tate, age 89, of Randolph, VA passed away on Thursday, August 2, 2012. Roy was born at home in Martintown, Union Co., Mississippi to Lee Roy & Willie Gertrude Martin Tate. He graduated Myrtle High School in 1941 a class of 9. He was enlisted as a Private into the Army Dec. 28, 1942 at Camp Shelby, MS and served 18 months as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Lee, VA, later deployed to Guam, Saipan and New Caledonia being honorably discharged in 1945 having attained the rank of First Sergeant. While serving at Ft. Lee, Virginia he married Blanche Marie Thomas of Richmond, VA on October 16, 1943 a marriage lasting 68 years. After discharge and returning to his wife and 11 month old son the family lived in Richmond, VA, moving later to Chesterfield Co. While later residing in Powhatan Co. VA, he retired from Unijax Paper Company, Richmond, VA in 1984 after 30 years to spend his remaining years involved in building projects, landscaping, mowing grass, visiting with and enjoying family, friends and neighbors at their homes in Powhatan and lastly at Randolph VA. “I am grateful to my parents, sweet wife, family and all the many people who have treated me kindly. I have been fortunate all my life.” Roy was predeceased by his wife, parents, his sisters Hattie Lula Heaton, Jewel Lee Kitchens, Annie Mae Luckett, and Kittie Mae Childers. He is survived by his son Roy Thomas Tate and wife Marilyn of Fuquay Varina, NC. grandchildren Josh, Andrew, Sara and Nicolas, great grandchildren Naomi Grace, Everett and Winston and son Robert Wayne Tate and wife Jeannie of Ashland, VA grandchildren Holly Collins, Matthew and Anna, great grandchild Lynlee Collins, and sister Peggy Ann Bush of Memphis, TN. Visitation and memorial will be held at Drakes Branch Baptist Church, 4525 Main St., Drakes Branch, VA. (434-568-2051) Thur., Aug. 9, 3011, visitation beginning at 2pm followed by memorial service at 3pm. Arrangements by Brooks Funeral Home, 115 Main St., South Boston, VA. (434-572-2995) A graveside service will be held at the Old Glenfield Cemetery in New Albany, Mississippi on Sat., Aug. 11 at 11AM. Arrangements by United Funeral Service, 700 State Hwy 15 South, New Albany, MS. (662-534-5071) In lieu of flowers the family suggests doing a kind deed or helping someone in need.