Harry Terrell Tate, MD

Harry T. Tate, M.D. a beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, and man of unwavering faith, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 on August 11th, 2025. 

Born in Athens, Georgia on October 17th, 1941, Harry was the second eldest of three children born to Gerald L. Tate Sr. and Malissa Tate (née Sims). He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald L. Tate Sr. and Malissa Tate, and his older brother, Gerald L. “Lafayette” Tate Jr. 

Harry confessed his love for Christ at an early age and was baptized at Hill Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of his grandfather, the late Rev. Mitchell Tate. His spiritual foundation guided his life and inspired his commitment to service.

 He attended Clarke County Public Schools and graduated from Athens High and Industrial School in Athens, GA. In 1959, Harry began his undergraduate education at Tuskegee University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1963. It was at Tuskegee that he learned to play one of his favorite sports—tennis—and took great pride in being a member of the Tuskegee University choir, where his love for music and his beautiful singing voice flourished. Tuskegee was also where he met the love of his life, Helene Lie Tate. They were married on August 24th, 1963, in Los Angeles, California, and together they raised two children, Terrell Sean “Terry” and Tasha Nicole. He was a devoted father, always encouraging his children to pursue excellence and live with integrity. 

In 1965, Harry continued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, where he earned his certificate in Physical Therapy. From 1965 to 1970, he worked as a traveling physical therapist in the city of Philadelphia, seeing patients in their homes and providing compassionate care. After five years as a physical therapist, Harry soughtout a new challenge and applied to Temple University School of Medicine, where he was accepted and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine in 1974. After completing a year-song internship at Temple University Hospital, Dr. Tate began his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C., which he completed in 1978. 

That same year, he moved his family to Nashville, Tennessee, where he began a private practice at Nashville Memorial Hospital. In 1997, after two decades of service in Nashville, Dr. Tate closed his practice to join the Indiana Hand Center in Valpar aiso,Indiana, continuing his commitment to specialized orthopedic care. Dr. Tate practiced medicine for 22 years, retiring in 2000 after a distinguished career marked by compassion, excellence, and dedication to healing.

 In retirement, Harry and Helene embraced a life of adventure, traveling the world together and visiting every continent except Antarctica. Harry was a man of many passions—an avid tennis player and golfer who enjoyed the men’s golf league at McCabe Golf Course, a certified scuba diver, a master gardener, and a devoted member of the bowling league at Tusculum Lanes.Harry also had a deep passion for financial literacy and wealth management. In retirement, he pursued this interest with characteristic determination, studying and successfully passing the FINRA Series 7 exam. 

One of Harry’s greatest gifts was his beautiful singing voice, which reflected his deep love for music, especially jazz. He enjoyed performing alongside talented musicians at Nashville Jazz Jam “Christ Lutheran Church”. His voice brought joy to many and became a cherished part of family gatherings and special events. Among his favorite songs was “Georgia” by Ray Charles—a tune that held special meaning and always stirred his soul. He was also deeply inspired by the artistry of jazz vocalists Kurt Elling and Gregory Porter, whose music resonated with his own expressive style and love for storytelling through song. 

Harry T. Tate, M.D., will be remembered for his unwavering faith, deep love for family, dedication to medicine, and the joy he brought to others through his many talents. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Helene Lie Tate; his children, Terrell Sean Tate (Kyley Pruitt-Tate) and Tasha Nicole Allen (Antonio Allen); his grandchildren, Kay LanaRae Raines (Darren Raines), Briana Williams (Gabriel Williams), Tyler Tate, Antonio Jamal Allen, and Amani Allen; his sister, Janice Gresham (predeceased by her husband, John L. Gresham); his sisters-in-law, Theopia Tate (widow of the late Gerald Tate Jr.) and Vickie Oei; his brother-in-law, Okky Oei, M.D.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Glaucoma Research Foundation