Margaret McKeel Tate

Margaret McKeel Tate died on January 2, 2021 at the age of ninety-two after living a very full life.  She is survived by her husband of sixty-four years, George Edward Tate, along with her two children, John Griff Lucas (Sherry) and Caroline Tate McNeilly (Rob).  She is also survived by five grandchildren, Griff Lucas (Katy), Ross Lucas (Natalie), Margaret Thompson (John), Tate McNeilly (Carolyn) and Robert McNeilly (Emily) and nine-great grandchildren, Frank and Teddy Lucas, Kate, H.R. and McKeel Lucas and Jack, Neilly, Frances Margaret and Mary Caroline Thompson.  She was predeceased by her parents, Judge Walter Lunn and Roberta Thomas McKeel, and a sister, Bobbie McKeel Collier.

Margie was born in Waverly, Tennessee and after spending a portion of her childhood in Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina, returned to her hometown where she graduated high school.  She attended Vanderbilt University where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. In 1956 she married her high school sweetheart, Ed Tate.  They began their married life in Calvert City, Kentucky but soon returned to Waverly.  Margie was a devoted member of Waverly United Methodist Church. In her active years she was an avid golfer, accomplished gardener (particularly of roses), capable bridge player and talented seamstress. She loved to dance. She was a lifelong fan of all Vanderbilt sports, as well as any sports her grandchildren participated in, attending events well into her eighties. However, her greatest joy in life stemmed from her family.  She was a devoted and loving wife, and delighted in the lives and activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a bright and beautiful soul, and will be missed by all.

Due to COVID restrictions a private family graveside service will be held in Waverly, Tennessee with a memorial service and celebration of life to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Waverly United Methodist Church, P.O.Box 247 Waverly, Tennessee 37185, or to the charity of one’s choice.