Sidney S. Tate

Sidney S. Tate, 80, of LaGrange passed away Friday, October 16, 2015 at West Georgia Hospice.

Mr. Tate was born in Athens, GA, the son of a Methodist minister. He was a graduate of LaGrange High School, LaGrange, GA and Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He then earned the Master of Divinity degree from the Theological School of Drew University in Madison, NJ. Mr. Tate spent seven years at LaGrange College in LaGrange, GA, in Admissions and Financial Aid. In July 1973, he went to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) where he worked for ten years as the director of Student Financial Aid. In June 1983, Mr. Tate returned to the pastoral ministry and served as pastor for many churches throughout Georgia. He completed a certification program in Gerontology at Georgia State University in 1991 and served as an officer of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Association of Older Adults for four years. Mr. Tate was involved with the older adult ministries in the North Georgia Conference for over ten years and in June 2000, after 42 years in the North Georgia Annual Conference, he assumed the retired relationship and made LaGrange, GA his home.

In retirement, Mr. Tate was a volunteer chaplain with West Georgia Hospice. He coordinated the Thursday Lunch Club for older adults at First United Methodist Church of LaGrange for a number of years. Mr. Tate sang with the Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church and with the Sons of Lafayette Male Choir. He taught the AARP Driver Safety Course several times a year for over ten years.

Survivors include his wife, Enid Smith Tate; son and daughter-in-law, Philip and Brenda Tate; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Shelia Tate; four grandchildren, Meredith Tate, Morgan Tate, Griffin Tate, and Jillian Tate; brother and sister-in-law, John and Barbara Tate; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church of LaGrange with Rev. Dr. John Kay and Rev. Dr. Brian Germano officiating. A reception for family and friends will be in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church of LaGrange, West Georgia Hospice, Camp Glisson in Dahlonega, GA, or a charity of choice.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636