J. L. Tate

J.L. TATE of Little Rock, Ark., passed away April 30 at the age of 98. He was born April 11, 1913 to the late F.E. and Daisy Lee Walker Tate in Cardwell, Mo. He attended schools in Festus and Crystal City, Mo., in Paragould, Ark., where he graduated from high school, at Colorado State College, Greely, Colo., and in New York City, N.Y., where he studied theatrical arts. J.L. is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Mercer Janet Hopson Tate; three sons, Stephen and wife Becky Curtis Tate of Beavercreek, Ohio, Byron and wife Pat Smith Tate of Pine Bluff, Ark., and Galen Tate of Bridgeport, Conn. He was blessed to enjoy three grandchildren, Nathan and Mary Kathryn Tate, both of Beijing, China, and Ethan Tate, a second-year student at the University of Chicago. A patriot from America's Greatest Generation, J.L. was a decorated U.S. Army Air Corps NCO who served in both the European and Pacific Theaters, Puerto Rico, Alaska, and stateside during WWII. After the war he joined his father in ownership of Tate's Drug Store at 10th and Marshall Streets in Little Rock. He spent the next 35 years as a pharmaceutical salesman, during which time he served terms as president of the Arkansas Drug Travelers Association and was made an Arkansas Traveler. He retired in 1985 at the age of 72. J.L.'s special interests included a deep appreciation of music, reading, writing, travel, antique autos, politics and photography. He shared each interest with his family and leaves behind a treasure trove of souvenirs and loving memories. All who knew J.L. knew that the only thing he loved more than his family, his friends and his country was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Immanuel Baptist Church was his church home for 77 years and 52 of those were spent as a tenor in the choir and as a popular soloist. Deepest gratitude and appreciation from J.L.'s family are extended to Dr. Jennifer Coe, Dr. George Schroeder, Russ Harrington, to his angels at Baptist Hospice, CareLink, to a special friend and caregiver, Charlene Davis, whose loving kindness and professional care meant so much during the many months of J.L.'s declining health, and to all of J.L.'s friends. Charitable memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church choir, 501 N. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock, Ark., 72211, to Baptist Hospice, 11900 Colonel Glenn Rd., Little Rock, Ark., 72210, or to CareLink of Central Arkansas, P.O. Box 5988, North Little Rock, Ark., 72119. The family wishes to celebrate J.L.'s life with friends and family during a visitation at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 3, 2011, with the funeral services following at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Immanuel Baptist Church. Services will be conducted by Dr. Charles Barfield and Pastor Rick Jaggars both of Immanuel Baptist Church. A private graveside service will be held afterward at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Psalm 121. Online obituary and guest registry are at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.