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Lavern Tate Obituary
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. today at Rogersville Funeral Home, where the funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, with Brother Henry Melton officiating. Burial will follow in Harvey Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Honorable Judge J. Edward Tease, Honorable Judge Leslie Johnson, Honorable Judge Michael T. Jones, Bob Tate, Carlton Kelley, Wayne Sutton, Honorable Steve R. Graham and the Rev. David Gregg.
Mr. Tate was preceded in death by is parents, Luther Edward and Henrie C. Tate, and an infant brother, Carl Edward Tate.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Tate, of Florence; sons, Carl (Toni) Tate, of Rogersville, and Bill (Kelly) Tate, of Florence; daughters, Laura (Jeff) Biffle, of Killen, and Cindy (Tony) Glover, of Greenhill; grandchildren, Tia Thornton, Carla (Jerrod) Clemons, Jacob Tate, Jamie Glover, Josh Balentine, Jaycee Biffle and Jon Jon Biffle; great-grandchildren, Grant and Grayson Thornton; three stepgrandchildren; and father-in-law and good friend, Joseph A. Smith.
Lavern was a graduate of LCHS and the University of Alabama. He served in the U.S. Army. While serving in the Army, he was in the Korean War. He was a survivor of the Battle at the Chosin Reservoir, known as the "Frozen Chosin." After being honorably discharged from the Army, he continued his education at the University of Alabama Law School.
Mr. Tate served the people of Lauderdale County in the 11th Circuit Judicial System as district attorney from 1967-87. He was an active member and past commander of the American Legion Post 11. He was a faithful supporter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Hospitalized Veterans and other military organizations. He served on the state board of the American Lung Association.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Gideons International, P.O. Box 336, Florence, AL 35631, to place Bibles in his memory around the world.
The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Paul and Associates, Dr. Lyman Mitchell, Dr. Felix Morris, Vicki Strickland and the ECM nurses for all your loving care.
Lavern stated during his career he was the recipient of many honors, but his greatest honor was to accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 1981, and then to serve in the ministry of Gideons International.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
William Eaton
July 11, 2009
Sandra,
I'm so thankful for the privilege of getting to know Lavern these past three years. He was, and remains, an inspiration to me. His unabashed love for Jesus was refreshing to see in this age of apathy!
His ability to administer 'the common touch' made him a rare leader among men. Those who knew him best will forever be thankful for his words of encouragement as he spoke 'the truth in love' without admixture... not surprisingly this also was a noteworthy characteristic of the one he served--Jesus!
May the God of all comfort give you His peace as you continue to walk in the steps of our Savior!
Blessings,
William
Tom Sorrells
July 3, 2009
Lavern Tate was a great man. When I became District Attorney in Dothan Lavern made a point of making me feel welcome. I will never forget his kindness to me. He did so much for the cause of District Attorneys and victims and he was a man who was loyal and dependable. I think Judge Jones said it for all of us when he said Lavern was the best. I will miss him.
Eddie Drane
July 3, 2009
Dear Sandi and family,
Lois and I are saddened to hear of Brother Laverne's death. We know your loss was heaven's gain. We love you,
Eddie & Lois
Terri (Ghrigsby) Cooley
July 2, 2009
Bill and Laura,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. I remember him sitting in the stands at our basketball games cheering us on with a gentle smile upon his face. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. May the peace of knowing that he is walking with God now help ease your pain.
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Sara Shapiro
July 1, 2009
I was deeply saddened to learn of Lavern's passing. I worked with Lavern in the District Attorney's Office for 13 years. Even though he was a tough prosecutor, his compassion, kindness and fairness was always evident. The community has lost a wonderful citizen. Lavern was loved and respected by many. He will be missed.
Kim Wallace
July 1, 2009
Laura and Bill,
I am joining with you in sorrow at the loss of your dad. I pray God comforts your family bringing you His peace and love during this time. My prayers will continue to be lifted up for your families.
God Bless
Kim (Vickery) Wallace
July 1, 2009
Sandi,
Although we sorrow not as those who have not hope, still we will miss Lavern! How privileged we were to have known you two and to have worked with you in the Gideon ministry. You and Lavern were such a blessing to us.
Be assured of our continued love and prayers. We miss being in Alabama.
Marjorie and Chet
Greenville, SC
Sarah Davis
July 1, 2009
Sandra and Family,
Lavern will be greatly missed! Each and every one of you will be in my prayers! He was a wonderful neighbor and was always there for us when we needed him. He was a wonderful Godly example for everyone around him to follow! God blessed my family and I greatly, by placing the Tate family in our lives! We love you, if there is anything we can do, let us know!
melissa lard
July 1, 2009
sorry for your loss; you are all in my thoughts and prayers...
with deepest sympathy,
melissa lard
Bob Pitman
July 1, 2009
Dear Tate Family, I knew Lavern for twenty-five years. He was a genuine Christian who lived his faith before all who came in contact with him. As a preacher it was a blessing to see his uncompromising stand for the Lord.
I am praying for you during this time.
Luci Herring
July 1, 2009
Laura,
I was so sorry to hear about your Father. He is a great man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do please let me know. My email address is [email protected]
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