Manly Tatum "Tate" Roberts

Manly Tatum "Tate" Roberts died peacefully in his sleep from complications of Alzheimer's on January 4, 2017 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was 86 years old. Tate was born September 4, 1930 in Benton, Arkansas, to Manly Earl Roberts and Lexi Jo Tatum Roberts. Tate lived in Little Rock most of his life, with brief stints in Corpus Christi, Texas, aboard the USS Cimmarron in and around China and Japan during the Korean War and Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was considered a member of both the 1948 class of Benton High School and Corpus Christi High. He attended the University of Arkansas and Little Rock Junior College (UALR). Tate married Charlotte Ann Cooper Roberts in June of 1955 and was married to her until her death in February 2004. He was president of Roberts & Company, Inc. General Contractors of Little Rock from 1966 until 2005, helping many build Arkansas. Tate was a long-time member, deacon, and Sunday school teacher at Little Rock's First Baptist Church where he also served on the Building Committee. He is survived by his sons, Manly Roberts (Lisa Thomas Roberts) and Mark Roberts; grandchildren, Grace Roberts, Kate Roberts, Alyse Roberts, and Manly Thomas Roberts; as well as, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by both of his parents; sisters, Mary Inez Wallace, Susan Ione Scott, Hazel Earline Fulks; and his brother, Joe Denby Roberts. Pallbearers are Jack Henderson, R. David Black, James Willbanks, Ed Choate, Scott Morgan and Michael Manley. Honorary pall bearers are Mr. Carl Rosenbaum, Mr. Robert Rogers, Mr. Don Rice, Dr. Hoyt Pyle and Dr. Carl Straub. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hickory Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation and to Kindred At Home Hospice for taking such wonderful care of Tate in his final months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Arkansas Alzheimer's Association. Visitation will be Sunday, January 8, 2017 from 4-6 p.m. at Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211. Services will be held at Little Rock First Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Dr, Little Rock, Ark. 72212, on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 10 a.m., with Pastor Jonathan Curtis officiating. Pastor Tim Brooks will officiate the graveside service following at Pinecrest Cemetery. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.