George Edward Tate

George Edward Tate died on November 24, 2021 at the age of ninety-three after living a very full life.  He is survived by his two children, Caroline Tate McNeilly (Rob) and John Griff Lucas (Sherry).  He is also survived by five grandchildren, Margaret McNeilly Thompson (John), Tate McNeilly (Carolyn), Robert McNeilly (Emily), Griff Lucas (Katy) and Ross Lucas (Natalie) along with nine great grandchildren, Jack, Neilly, Frances and Mary Caroline Thompson, Frank and Teddy Lucas, and Kate, H.R. and McKeel Lucas. He is also survived by one sister, Martha Ann Tate Rudisill. Ed was predeceased by his wife of sixty four years, Margaret McKeel Tate, and his parents, George Keahey and Lois Hooper Tate.

Ed was born, raised and schooled in Waverly, Tennessee where he was the high school class valedictorian.  A 1950 magna cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt University, he was a member of both Phi Delta Theta fraternity and the varsity basketball team, and earned a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering the next year.  He subsequently worked with several large oil and gas companies and served in the U.S. Army. In 1956 Ed married his high school sweetheart, Margie McKeel.  They began their married life in Calvert City, Kentucky but soon returned to Waverly to raise a family, and Ed joined his father in the family business, Tate Lumber Company.

Ed was a three sport athlete in high school, an avid lifelong golfer, playing well into his eighties, and a fan of all Vanderbilt sports.  He was fun-loving, gregarious, humble, generous, smart and always happy.  His friend group was large and diverse, and encompassed all ages.  He was a devoted husband and father, and was always available for and joyfully involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  An inspiration to friends and family, he will be missed.

Visitation will be held at Waverly United Methodist Church on Tuesday, November 30 at noon, with funeral services at 1:00pm.  Burial will immediately follow in Richlawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Waverly United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 247, Waverly, Tennessee 37185, or the charity of one’s choice.

LUFF-BOWEN FUNERAL HOME

2400 Hwy. 13 North, Waverly, TN 37185   Telephone 931-296-2437