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BORN
1954
DIED
2023
Robert Tate Obituary
In 1977, Robert was hired as a salesman at Old Dominion Tractor & Equipment Company, Inc in Richmond and retired 40 years later as a co-owner. It was the perfect job for him, combining his passion for farming with his mechanical skill and salesmanship; he also enjoyed mentoring young mechanics and was proud of their successes. Robert's favorite place on earth was "Almosta Farm" in Beaverdam where the family raises Black Angus beef cattle. It was there that he spent many satisfying hours on his tractor, baling hay, working cattle, enjoying the open land and being outdoors.
Robert was predeceased by his parents, James A. "Shorty" Tate and Doris Hughes Tate. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Julie VanMetre Tate; sons, James B. "Jeb" Tate (Jennifer) of Denton, Md. and Robert "Lee" Tate of Beaverdam; adored granddaughter, Jamie L. Tate of Denton, Md.; sister, Jane T. Geoghegan (Wayde) of Glen Allen; an aunt, uncles and many cousins who were loved like sisters and brothers.
The family offers heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Alpha House Memory Care in Ashland, for their months of compassionate caregiving.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 11, at Ashland Presbyterian Church, 401 Virginia Street, Ashland; the family will receive friends an hour prior to the service and at a luncheon afterward.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made in memory of Robert to Circle Center Adult Day Services, 4900 West Marshall Street, Richmond 23230 www.circlecenterva.org or Ashland Presbyterian Church www.ashlandpresbyterian.org or to a charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Tate
DONNA MORRIS
December 18, 2024
I did not know Robert personally, but I worked with his mom Doris Tate for many years, she always talked about him and the bulls they raised.
Melinda Younger
February 12, 2023
Julie,
I am sorry to hear of your husband´s passing. I hope you have many good memories to reflect. My husband died 20 years ago with Alzheimer´s disease so I know that dealing with dementia is painful. Take good care of yourself,
Melinda Younger
VAASL (VEMA) President 1997
George Didhner
February 10, 2023
We are saddened by the loss of Robert. He was truly a wonderful man and a friend whose word was his bond. He was more than just a Fraternity brother, he was a good friend. Julie please know that we are praying for you and your family.
George and Ginger Dishner.
Tim and Peggy Adams
February 10, 2023
Julie, you and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. "Tate," as I called him, was one of the guys that helped me go from high school to college life as a teammate, an upperclassman, a fraternity brother and, most of all, as a great guy. I can´t think of him without a smile that turns to a chuckle.
Ann Lee Davis
February 10, 2023
I was a classmate of Robert´s at Brookland and Hermitage; he was always a quiet and kind person and an excellent athlete; i am so sorry to hear that Robert suffered with frontal lobe dementia; blessings to the family at this time of healing;
Ann Lee Davis
HHS Class of `72
Joel Levine
February 8, 2023
Julie my deepest condolences to you and your family at this time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
John and Kristi Anzivino
February 8, 2023
We are so saddened to know that Robert has passed away. Julie, please know we are keeping you close in prayer. While our paths didn't cross too often in these later years, the memories of our college time and especially your wedding in Lewisburg still remain with us. It doesn't seem possible that so many years have passed us by. With love, John and Kristi
Boomer DeConti
February 8, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest well my old friend and co-captain. We are Panthers born and Panthers bred.
Boomer DeConti
Lori Donovan
February 7, 2023
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. I am hopeful that Robert's passing was peaceful. I know you and your family have lots of memories to share for years to come. Thinking of your family, and you are in my prayers.
Lori
Beth Godbolt
February 7, 2023
Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Jim Loving
February 6, 2023
Robert and I were Hermitage High school classmates, and teammates for football and track. He was a football captain, with a rye sense of humor. My condolences to his entire family.
Donna Morris(Pollard & Bagby, Inc.)
February 6, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Sissie Updike
February 6, 2023
Robert and I graduated the same year from Hermitage High school. I remember him being a very nice person and sure was very handsome. My youngest daughter worked for him at Old Dominion Tractor for a few years before he had to leave because of his illness. My condolences and prayers are lifted for the family.
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