Joe Grady Tate

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Grady Tate, 89, of Knoxville, Tennessee, on December 8, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas to parents, Bess and Grady Tate, and was a graduate of Arkansas State University. He called Knoxville home for over 60 years. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, LouL Tate; daughters Paula (Don) Tate-Gunter, Jodi (Tad) Geschickter, and Tracey (Jonathan) Van Hook; and three beloved grandchildren (Andrew, Maggie, Mollie).

Joe was a veteran of the US Army where he served as a Captain in the Medical Service Corp. A true renaissance man, Joe lived a life marked by creativity, leadership, and love for his family. He was a natural musician and had fond memories of playing in the Jonesboro high school band and solo coronet with the Arkansas State Concert Band. When his wife LouL founded Tate's School and Tate's Day Camp, Joe worked alongside her to create a vision and develop the property which has helped shape generations of young leaders and learners. He had a great love for animals, especially a beloved rescue donkey on campus named Maudie. After teaching for many years in the Knox County School system, Joe served as an assistant principal at Cedar Bluff Middle School and as a principal at Ball Camp Elementary and Cedar Bluff Intermediate School.

He was also an accomplished commercial real estate developer (Tate's Gallery Shopping Center among others with Horne Properties) and a dedicated educator, leaving an enduring legacy in the Knoxville community.

Joe was a long-time member and leader at Erin Presbyterian Church on Bearden Hill, where his faith and service touched many lives. His passions extended beyond his professional endeavors. In addition to his musical talents, Joe was a gifted painter whose artwork earned recognition in local competitions. A self-described Arkansas farm boy, he fell in love with art when he placed first in the state art contest in fifth grade. He loved spending time in his office and art studio, working on projects to upgrade and beautify Tate's School campus, and cheering on his grandchildren in their activities. His time was always best spent relaxing around a firepit with his family with a view of the mountains.

Joe will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, artistic talent, his humor, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. His life was a testament to curiosity, creativity, and kindness.

Services will be held on Thursday, December 18th at Erin Presbyterian Church, 200 Lockett Rd. Knoxville TN. Receiving of Friends will be from 4 - 6 PM ; 6 PM Celebration of Life Service followed by a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tate's School of Discovery Foundation (www.tatesschool.com/give-back/) to continue helping deserving students. The family asks that everyone come as they are or wear bright colors like Joe used in his paintings. A private graveside service will be held by the family. Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann, 6200 Kingston Pike, is serving the family of Joe Tate.