Robert Lee Rate

Robert L. Rate, age 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather entered into his heavenly home on February 27th after a three year battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of almost 70 years, Helen Ann. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Candy and Mike Barry of Marietta, Georgia; grandson Matt Barry, his wife Kelly and their son Connor (age 7) of Cincinnati, Ohio; granddaughter Julie Minton, her husband Doug and their children Jack (age 6) and Emma and Ava (1 year old identical twins) of Marietta, Georgia; as well as many nieces and nephews that he adored.
Bob was born and raised in Cordele, Georgia along with his older siblings, George, Jack and Betty, with whom he maintained a close relationship throughout their lives. While attending Cordele High School, Bob lettered in both football and track before graduating with honors. He was offered a scholarship to play football in college but turned it down to serve his country in the United States Army.
He began his military career as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division making over 100 jumps and earning the rank of Master Parachutist and Jumpmaster as well as becoming Division Sergeant Major. Following his tour with the 82nd Airborne, Bob served as the Army Sergeant Major of the Seventh Army in Stuttgart, Germany. While in Europe, Bob and Helen were able to travel extensively and totally enjoy their time overseas. Upon their return to the U.S., he served as Post Sergeant Major at Fort McPherson in Atlanta thus making Georgia his home once again.
After serving 20 years, Bob retired from the Army and immediately went to work as Executive Administrator for Hansell, Post, Brandon and Dorsey Law Firm (which later merged with Jones Day). He loved this second career so much that he spent another 20 years working there and made many life long friends that he cherished for the rest of his life. Bob began a well deserved retirement from the law firm in 1997.
Although Bob loved his career, the greatest love of his life was his family. He and Helen had a long amazing love story that began when he became best friends with her brother, Eldon, a fellow paratrooper. He saw Helen's picture and said he just knew she was the one. They wrote letters back and forth and only saw each other in person twice before deciding to get married on October 18, 1952. It was a wonderful decision that led them to almost 70 beautiful years together!
Bob and Helen's daughter, Candy, was the light of their lives. Once Bob's grandchildren, Matt and Julie, were born, he loved spending time with them and never missed any of their activities. He was at every single tennis match, baseball game and dance recital cheering them on. When great-grandchildren entered the picture, Bob was beyond excited! He showered them with love and attention. What a blessing it was to see him light up whenever Connor, Jack, Emma and Ava were around.
Our family wishes to thank our wonderful friend, Maria Olivier, as well as Wellstar Tranquility Hospice for their loving care during Bob's final days. Lakeside Funeral Home in Woodstock is in charge of arrangements. A private family service will be held with Reverend Art Wilder from Johnson Ferry Baptist Church officiating but we ask for your prayers in the days ahead. What a blessing it was to have had such a wonderful father and grandfather in our lives and we thank God for that privilege. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to the American Cancer Society if you feel so led.