William H. Tate

I will miss your smiling eyes, love for my mama in them; your white angel hair that always reminded me of President David O. Mckay. I will miss your sharp, wise intellect, all your wisdom to share, a heart as big as your road machine; your giving, loving encouragement and kind counseling. Your laughing and winking when you'd tease mom. I will miss your stories from your keen memory; some hard to pry out but always a treasure. I have always loved to boast that my dad is a triple-Ace fighter pilot, and I will continue to do so.
The main thing, Daddy, is I knew you loved me; I knew you were proud of me. I Knew you cared about me, knew you worried about me, and the gentle way you "Set me straight" when I needed it. I will miss having breakfast with you. You were always so cheerful and had a smile for us at the table.I will miss sitting on your bed with the girls and mom, telling you what we did that afternoon and showing you all our bargain finds. I will miss rubbing lotion on your tired skin on your arms before you'd go to bed. I know it was one of God's tender mercies having you for my loving daddy for the past ten years, and in all of our lives. I will hug you really tight when it's my time to jump over! I love you Daddy, love your daughter Margo

I am Jeannies daughter Christine.The Col. was my dad...my pop.He called me jis baby girl. I loved him with my whole heart.He has been such an added blessing to our family.His example of dignity,accomplishment and determination in his life and in his work ethic,to me was unmatched.Pop was such a lovely man,a true southern gentleman.his history...amazing. I loved listening to his combat stories and reveling in his patriotism. It was my priveledge from time to time to cut his beautiful shimmery white hair.He was always so appreciative of every little thing we did for him,when he could no longer do them for himself...a foot rub,putting lotion on his arms,shaving his face,combing his hair,or just sitting and holding his hand. Those were some of the best times to glean gems of sound advice and wisdom from him. He was darling with my mom.They were so great together,both sharing a mischevious sense of humor and banter with eachother. theirs was a great love to witness. Pop,...you are a beautiful man.You will be greatly missed.You are my hero and I love you.

He adored her. She adored him. He treated her the way she deserved to be treated; like a lady, like a queen. He took care of her and she took care of him. He rescued her, and she rescued him right back. Both could be a little fiesty, and they could also laugh together and enjoy just being together. They didn't have to be fancy; there's was a simple and tender love and companionship. He had lived a full life of success in the world and accomplishment. But he was never puffed up, only gentle and faithful. She had lived a full life guiding and caring for and loving her large family, and she carried that compassion, patience and sense of humor right to the end.
Bill faced challenges and hardship in the war as a fighter pilot, and at the end of his life when he faced many physical challenges. He was a fighter and he never gave up. Bill stepped into our lives, and he blessed us all and loved us as his own through these last 10 years. We're so very glad Bill found our mother and she found him. He was, and is a great and good man and he leaves the world a better place. We will miss, and love always our sweet Bill.

From Debbie Fechser Hamilton, Jeannie's daughter and Bill's step-daughter (although there's no such thing as 'step' with our cute Bill..)

He adored her. She adored him. He treated her the way she deserved to be treated; like a lady, like a queen. He took care of her and she took care of him. He rescued her and she rescued him right back. Both could be a little fiesty, and they could also laugh together and enjoy just being together. The didn't have to be fancy; there's was a simple and tender love and companionship.
He had lived a full life of success in the world and accomplishment, but he was never puffed up but gentle and faithful. She had lived a full life of guiding and caring for her large family, and she carried that same compassion, patience and sense of humor right to the end.
Bill faced challenges and hardship in the war as a fighter pilot, and at the end of his life when he faced many physical challenges. He was a fighter and he never gave up.
Bill stepped into our lives, and he blessed us all and loved us all as his own through these las 10 years. We're so very glad Bill found our mother, and she found him. He was a good and great man, and he leaves the world a better place. We shall miss our white-haired cute Bill and he will never be forgotten.

I spotted the hand-made memorial along the Mississippi River this afternoon (Memorial Day), then searched the internet for information on Col. Tate. We are sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time.

Bill was an amazing, almost unbelievable guy. He accomplished more than most of us could in five lifetimes. I'll miss his inspirational example.

Dennis E.

I will never forget how dapper, jaunty, and vigorous that white haired Southern Gentleman was, who fell in love with my Mama and swept her off her feet. They met at the Mercedes repair shop and chatted in the waiting room. He begged the receptionist to give him her name and phone number. When... we girls met him, he took us to lunch, and the memory of seeing the sparks snap across that table between those two makes me smile to this day. They were happily married for 10 short years, but it was a lovely marriage and a sweet love story. The triple ace fighter pilot and his spunky red headed lady. I will miss him terribly... I loved him so dearly dearly. A dear sweet man, our Pop. I hope there are little red Mercedes sports cars and P-51 fighter planes in heaven. I will look forward to hugging you when it is MY turn to "jump over." All my Love, and a kiss on each cheek....

I will never forget how dapper, jaunty, and vigorous that white haired Southern Gentleman was, who fell in love with my Mama and swept her off her feet. They met at the Mercedes repair shop and chatted in the waiting room. He begged the receptionist to give him her name and phone number. When we met him, he took us to lunch, and the memory of seeing the sparks snap across that table between those two makes me smile to this day. They were happily married for 10 short years, but it was a lovely marriage and a sweet love story. The triple ace fighter pilot and his spunky red haired lady. We will miss him terribly... I loved him so dearly dearly. A dear sweet man, our Pop. I hope there are little red Mercedes sports cars and P-51 fighter planes in heaven. I will look forward to hugging you when it is MY turn to "jump over." Love, and a kiss on each cheek.... Becky