Willie Lee Tate

February 22, 1942 - August 03, 2026

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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

17 Aug

Inurnment

11:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Massachusetts National Cemetery Connery Ave Buzzards Bay, MA 02542 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • August 14, 2026

    "I hope you rest peacefully, knowing that you did a great job raising a great family"

  • August 12, 2026

    Who my brother, Willie was to me and our siblings: Our parents transitioned when we were very young. Willie, being the oldest became our leader and we all loved and respected him in this role. Willie was especially very helpful to me, my wife, Barbara, and our son Cleophus Jr. In November 1966, when Barbara was 20 years old and Jr. was two months old, Willie picked them up in Felix, Alabama and took them the 60 mile trip to the Montgomery, Alabama airport to join me at my duty station at Mather AFB in Sacramento, California. Barbara was afraid, but Willie calmed her down. He assisted her checking in at the airport and spoke to the flight attendants to assist her changing flights. Needless to say, Barbara and Jr. arrived safe and sound at the Sacramento airport where I warmly greeted them and took them home. Willie, I'll never forget all that you did for us, your siblings, and for me, Barbara and Jr. May God bless and keep you brother Willie. Love always, Brother Cleophus

  • August 12, 2026

    As a young boy my family lived next door to Tate family. My younger sister Maryum quickly developed a best friend in their Daughter Tanisha as they were virtually the same age. Without having a father figure in my life my mom quickly leaned on Mr. Tate for the things she needed help with. I remember one instance where I was going to event at school needed to wear a tie. With my mom at a loss for that particular skill, promptly sent me next door to the man who she knew she could count on for help. He didn't just tie it for me but gave me a full lesson so that I could do it myself. Whether it was helping a struggling single mom with oil in her furnace, or scolding a stupid kid (myself) from constantly making a dangerously crazy jump from his 2nd floor rear porch to the top of his detached garage knowing how badly he could hurt himself. Mr Tate was always there for me and my family and I will never forget his love and support. I know he is smiling down on this well deserved remembrance and he will be missed by the many people who's lives he impacted.

  • August 11, 2026

    I was very saddened to hear that Willie has passed. I met Willie in 1978 when he was my supervisor at UPS. I learned so much from him on how to do the job the right way and I looked up to him with the greatest respect. My prayers and condolences are with him and his family. RIP Willie!

  • August 10, 2026

    First, I would like to say, my condolences to my cousins Derrick, Kevin, & Tanisha. Uncle Willie was such an amazing man and never complained. Since a baby, my grandma would take me often to Boston for the holidays. Whether it was Thanksgiving or Christmas we were always there. Me & Uncle Willie have many memories together. The one that stands out to me is when Auntie Rachel asked him to get something from the basement of their home. I would always be so scared to go down there. But Uncle Willie would go down there with such ease and confidence, do what he needed to do and come right back up. I would just stand there and pray that makes it quick. Uncle Willie, you will truly be missed and it saddens me that I will never see you again. I am going to miss your warm smile, laughs, but mostly your voice. When you would call the house to speak to grandma, I would always rush to answer the phone so I could talk to you and hear your voice. Though I am heartbroken, I rejoice in knowing that you are with God and no longer suffering. Rest In Eternal Peace ❤️ Love You Forever 🙏🏽

  • August 10, 2026

    From the time I was 13 years old I was going up to Boston every summer. During this I got my first job at Dorchester YMCA. When I received my first pay check the first thing Uncle Willie did was take me to open up my bank account. I appreciated him for that. He would take me to work and pick me up. When it was time to come back to NYC he took me to get on Amtrak. Later down the years when I started college at Mt Ida, he would bring me a home cooked meal every Sunday and groceries. I would be looking out my dorm room window and see his car coming around the bend. Uncle Willie was one of the best uncle's anyone could ask for. He will be truly missed. I love you Uncle Willie. 🕊️🕊️🙏🏽🙏🏽

  • August 10, 2026

    My dad, Willie Lee Tate, was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and a proud United States Army veteran. He was a man who worked hard, loved his family deeply, and carried himself with strength, dignity, and quiet determination. To me, he was simply Dad....and losing him is a pain that words cannot fully express. I will forever cherish the memories we shared, the lessons he taught me, his stories, his laughter, and even the moments that challenged us. Those memories have become treasures that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Dad, you fought a long and courageous battle, and now the battle is over. You can finally rest. Your service, your sacrifices, your love, and the life you built for your family will never be forgotten. I am grateful for every moment, every conversation, every hug, and every memory. I am especially grateful that I had the honor of being your daughter and caring for you through your final days. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I would do it all over again. Your legacy lives on through your children, grandchildren, family, and everyone whose life you touched. Rest peacefully, Dad. You served your country. You loved your family. You fought your fight. Now you can rest. Until we meet again, Your loving daughter, Tanisha

  • August 10, 2026

    Sending my deepest condolences to the Tate family. Willie Tate was the " Best" neighbor you could ask for, I've known the Tate Family (almost) my whole life. Sending love, hugs and prayers

  • August 08, 2026

    The March into Eternity...The battle is over... Thaddeus (US ARMY)

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