Steve Tate

Gary Steven Tate
September 15, 1952-December 24, 2021
Steve Tate passed away on Christmas Eve morning peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and daughter after a very sudden, unexpected, but brief illness. He was born on September 15, 1952 in Albany, Georgia.
Steve was married to the love of his life, Debbie, for almost 40 years. They had one daughter, Kathryn,(Paul), and two grandchildren, Tate and Ward, that he loved and adored more than life itself.
Steve, a lumber broker, started and owned his very own lumber company, KT Lumber Sales, Inc for over thirty years. He always said that if he named his business after his daughter, Kathryn Tate, that the business would never fail. After many years of a very successful business, his daughter now carries on that legacy following in her father's footsteps, as he is still proudly watching over her.
Steve is survived by his spouse Debra Bills Tate, his daughter, Kathryn Tate Shirley, (Paul), one granddaughter, Tate Rosalyn Shirley, and one grandson Paul Edward Shirley, Jr. He is also survived by his mother, Norma Woodall Tate.
Steve was predeceased by his father, Ernest Edward Tate, and also by his wife's parents-- Robert Conner Bills, Sr. and Jean Wood Bills.
The Tate family will have a Memorial Service to honor and celebrate Steve's life at Perry Creek Golf and Racquet Club on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Steve loved God, his family, his country, and golf. Although he participated and excelled in most every sport with his competitive spirit, golf had always been his favorite. Besides teaching his grandchildren many life lessons; they enjoyed golf, tennis, baseball, basketball, soccer, and fishing; but he also taught them a love for music. Steve was a self-taught guitar player who loved to sing, as well. Before grandchildren, Steve had lovingly devoted his time and talents in exactly the same way with his own daughter, Kathryn.
Because Steve's father had made a career in the USAF, Steve's family had moved to many different places in the world and he loved to share stories about all his past adventures and experiences.
Steve was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, and friend who gave nothing but unconditional love to all these who were a part of his life. A personal friend told Debbie and Kathryn that Steve Tate had what he liked to call, a 10,000 watt heart.
Now that all pain and suffering are gone, Steve is now able to embrace a peace that we-- family and friends, do not completely understand, but be rest assured, that special guy is playing on that great, big beautiful golf course in the sky.
Donations may be made to First United Methodist Church or to Grace Baptist Church, both of Grenada or to the charity of your choice.
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