Robert Michael "Bob" Tate

Robert Michael Tate, "Bob," age 82, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on December 18, 1942, he grew up in Estill Springs, Tennessee and was the son of Robert Ray Tate and Annie Ruth Tate. After graduating from the University of Tennessee with a BSEE, he went on to earn an MBA from the University of Evansville and a MSEE from Arizona State University. He retired from Oak Ridge National Laborities after 30 years of service and was contracted by the FBI for a number of national projects as well. He enjoyed UT football, spending time with family, and being active in Middlebrook Pike Methodist Church. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert Ray Tate and Annie Ruth Wise Tate and his former wife Ann Smith Tate. He is survived by his wife of thirty-seven years, Rita Tate; his brother James Alan Tate; and his children John Tate (Kelly Tate), Laura Wheeler (Jim Wheeler), Charlotte Pence (Adam Prince), and Lee Pence (Heather Pence) and ten grandchildren: Emilee Pence, Lindsey Clark, Wil Pence, Zach Tate, Eli Tate, Tate Wheeler, Sam Tate, Wes Tate, Jacob Pence, and Esmé Prince. He has four great grandchildren: Beecher Clark, Tripp Clark, Kineddi Pence, and Parker Pence. Bob will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and quick wit. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church. A visitation will follow the service between 12:00pm-2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holston Home for Children (www.holstonhome.org).