Willie Lee Tate
February 22, 1942 - August 03, 2026
Obituary for Willie Lee Tate
It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Willie Lee Tate, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, godfather, friend, and proud United States Army veteran. Willie passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, service, and family that will live on through all who knew and loved him.
Born on February 22, 1942, in Felix, Alabama (Perry County), Willie was the son of Ina Mae Deyampert and Lee Tate. His family later moved to Selma, Alabama (Dallas County), where Willie was raised alongside his younger siblings. From an early age, Willie was a hardworking and devoted man who believed in family, responsibility, and doing what was right.
After earning his high school diploma, Willie began his military career, embarking on a journey of service that would become an important part of his life and legacy.
Willie proudly served in the United States Army, where he was trained as a Transportation Supply & Parts Specialist (MOS 76H20). He attended Transportation School at Fort Eustis, Virginia, and served with the United States Army Transportation School at Fort Eustis.
His military service included time in Vietnam, where he served his country with honor and distinction. During his military career, Willie was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal – Vietnam. He also earned the Sharpshooter Badge with Carbine (.30 caliber), reflecting his dedication, discipline, and skill as a soldier.
Willie ultimately achieved the rank of Sergeant, E-5, and was honorably discharged from the United States Army on September 19, 1966, completing his military service with honor.
Beyond his uniform and military accomplishments, Willie was first and foremost a family man. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, godfather, and friend. His greatest treasures were the people he loved, and his family remained an important part of his life and legacy.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Rachel Tate; his sons, Kevin Tate and Derrick Tate, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Tate; his daughter, Tanisha Tate; and his goddaughter, Deborah Reed Coplin (Rickey).
He was a proud grandfather to Derrick Tate Jr., Michael Tate, and Jordin Tate, who will carry his love, lessons, stories, and legacy with them throughout their lives.
Willie also leaves behind his beloved siblings, Cleophus Tate Sr. (Barbara), Clarence Tate Sr. (Linda), and Ira Deyampert, who will continue to cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, James Tate (Malinda).
Willie will be remembered for the love he had for his family, his strength, his sense of responsibility, his service to his country, and the memories he created with those around him. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, the lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the love he gave will remain in the hearts of his family forever.
His family finds comfort in knowing that his earthly journey is complete and that he can now rest peacefully.
A Soldier. A Husband. A Father. A Grandfather. A Brother. A Godfather. A Friend.
His service was honorable.
His love was immeasurable.
His legacy will live forever.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
May he rest peacefully, knowing that he was deeply loved, greatly appreciated, and will never be forgotten.
Rest well, Willie. Your watch is over.
Your family will carry your legacy forward.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our hero
Inurnment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA on August 17th at 11:30AM. Relatives and friends invited.
Services
Inurnment
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Condolences
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August 14, 2026
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August 08, 2026
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