Obituaries

James Richard Tate

Photo of James Richard Tate
James Richard Tate died Saturday, January 7, 2012 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born July 6th, 1930 to James L. and Fern (Haigler) Tate in Van Buren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Larry and sister, Jeanne Ellen. A lifelong resident of Van Buren, he attended Van Buren Schools and played football, basketball baseball and track where he was named All-District End for the football team in 1947. After graduating High School in 1948 he attended the University of Arkansas where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and graduated in 1953 with a Master's Degree. After college he served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. From 1955 to 1996, James was employed by the Van Buren School District in various capacities, He served as a Math Instructor and Head Jr. High Coach and assistant High School football, basketball and baseball coach for seven years, Van Buren High School Principal for four years, Assistant Superintendent for three years and Superintendent for the Van Buren School District for sixteen years. He received the Administrator of the Year Award by the Arkansas High School Press Association in 1975 and the Arkansas Department of Education Outstanding Leadership Recognition in 1978. James R. Tate Elementary was named in his honor in 1984. After retiring in 1984, he served as Financial Advisor for the Van Buren School District until 1996. He is survived by his former wife, Mary Anne Tate of Van Buren, two sons, James C. Tate and wife, Wen of Hickory, North Carolina and Jerry Tate of Van Buren; two grandsons, James and Donovan Tate and a granddaughter, Carlton of Hickory, North Carolina. Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren with burial at Forest Park Cemetery in Fort Smith, under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Lonnie Myers, Earl Robinson, Harry Keifer, Bill Mitchell, Floyd Cagle, Brad Rotert and Gene Neidecker. The family will visit with friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2011 at Ocker Funeral Home, 700 Jefferson Street, Van Buren. Online tributes: www.ockerfuneralhome.com.

Published January 11, 2012

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