John D. Tate

John Douglas Tate, 24, died Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at his home on Danner Road, Max Meadows. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Mitchell United Methodist Church with the Rev. Wayne Monroe officiating. He persevered through 20 years of countless medical procedures for the treatment of spina bifida's debilitating effects. He endured this hardship only due to the special care provided by his mother. He was a member of Mt. Mitchell United Methodist Church. He attended Fort Chiswell High School where he was active in JROTC and enjoyed his experiences in the automotive shop. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, John C. Baker of Radford. Survivors include his mother, Sherry Tate; grandmothers, Fay McGhee and Gerlene Baker; two uncles, Beau Baker and Randy Semones; an aunt, Sheila Hamm; close friends, Robert and Rene Thompson, James and Sherry Fisher, Sonja and Richard Cregger; and numerous other extended family members. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. (service time) at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the Tate Memorial Fund in care of Mt. Mitchell United Methodist Church. Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements.