of Conway, AR
April 29, 1939 - March 7, 2024
Fred Lynn Tate, 84, of Conway, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday afternoon March 7, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on April 29, 1939 in Danville, Arkansas to Charles Henry and Ina Powers Tate. After Fred graduated from Booneville High School in 1958, he went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree from Arkansas Tech and his Master's Degree from State Teachers College of Arkansas (now UCA). He coached football and taught high school for 9 years prior to starting his very successful
50-year insurance career with MFA, now Shelter Insurance.
After 35 years of service, Fred retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Army Reserve. He received many awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Fred joined the Lodge at age 21 and a major accomplishment in his life was receiving his 50-year pin from the Masonic Lodge in 2010. He also held memberships in
Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, Shriners and Heroes.
Fred was constantly looking for ways to assist others and loved spending time at the family cabin. Fred loved planning and attending family gatherings as well as class reunions. He was a collector of vintage cars and driving his bride around town in his 1937 Dodge Brothers was always a treat. If the radio was on, it was playing the song ''Seven Little Girls Sitting in the Back Seat with Fred'' by Bob
Hillard or any song by the Statler Brothers. Fred's favorite quote and motto included these ten little words, ''If it is to be, it is up to me.''
He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Rex and Jay Tate. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Valera Jan Sammann Tate of Conway; sister, Betty Parish of Springdale; daughter, Carla Jan Tate Norris (Jay) of Virginia; son, John Tate (Mary) of Conway; grandson, Wesley Norris (Kaylan) of Washington, DC; granddaughter, Shelbra Tate Norris Rivera (Efrain) of Texas; grandson, Austin Tate (MacKenzie) of Conway; grandson, Michael Tate (fiancé, Hollis Redden) of Conway; three precious great-grandchildren, Maya and Río Rivera and Blakely Tate and a host of other family members and friends.
Pallbearers include his family, John Tate, Jay Norris, Wesley Norris, Austin Tate, Michael Tate and Randy Blythe.
Honorary pallbearers are his longtime friends, Jim Gilliam, Jim Fulmer, Irl Green, Wayne Lawson, Pete Ross, Tommie White and other friends made through the military and coaching.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas and funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Conway on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 10:00 am with Pastor Nathan Kilborne officiating. Burial will follow at Crest lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children at donorrelations@shrinenet.org or the First United Methodist Church Food Pantry at First United Methodist Church, 1610 Prince Street, Conway, AR 72034. Arrangements
are by Roller-McNutt of Conway.
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46 Condolence(s)
Fred and Dorothy Morlan
Thursday, March 28, 2024
John and family. So sorry about your dad! Was late finding out. Strong prayers for you and the family. Fred and Dorothy Morlan
Terry L Edwards
Monday, March 18, 2024
My wife and I are in Republic, Missouri visiting our son and his family. He informed us Saturday that he learned of Fred's death from an Online News Source.
I met Fred in 1976 after joining the Conway Noon Optimis Club of which he was a member. I told him I needed insurance for a used 1975 Corvette. I was under age 25 at the time. He said "son, don't buy it ". I said I already have. He said I'll see what I can do. He has been our family insurance agent since then.
He and Valera have advised and guided us through numerous policy purchases which we are very grateful. He once purchased an automobile policy for a relative whom I referred but they didn't purchase a policy. He advised me he could not allow that person to leave his office with no liability lnsurance. I contacted that relative and made then pay him.
Fred was more than an agent to us. He was a real true friend. My daughter and son revered him, as they both have life policy, with him, through my wife and I.
Our family's sincerest condolences to his entire family. We will truly miss him!
JANE lagasse
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Dick and I are thinking of you and your family. Dick enjoyed his time working with Fred. He will be missed. Dick and Jane Lagasse
Jeff & Michelle Burgess
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers
Ida Rose
Monday, March 11, 2024
Peace and prayers to you John and Mary and all your family.
Holly Hastings
Monday, March 11, 2024
Praying for you all. Fred was a wonderful man.
Lum and Debra Wilhite
Monday, March 11, 2024
So sorry to hear of Coach Tate's passing. Yes, he will always be Coach Tate forever. He was always smiling and witty and made you feel at ease. A great mentor to many a student. There will be an empty place in our hearts but yet so many wonderful memories. We wish God's blessings for you, Mrs. Tate and the family. He was a great man!
Linda Breeding
Monday, March 11, 2024
Valera, John and Carla, so sad to hear this news. He will be greatly missed. May God bring you comfort during the days ahead.
Holly Hudson
Monday, March 11, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Matt Bartlett
Monday, March 11, 2024
The Conway community has lost a good Man in one Fred Tate, thank you for being my friend Fred.
Jimmy Glover
Monday, March 11, 2024
See you in Heaven.
Fred Williams
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Velera, John and Family: I was saddened to hear of Fred's passing. He was a good friend and a competitive insurance agent! For several years my office was behind his office ( In Dick Longing building). We had some good talks about insurance, politics, sports and many other conversations. Yes, Fred was a good man and he will be missed in our Life Underwriters Council meetings. May God bless the family during this difficult time. Prayers are being lifted up for you and your family.
J.E. Procell
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Fred was a great friend and outstanding person. He loved his family and was extremely proud of them. Fred was a competitive person as you would ever meet and like Will Rogers, he never met a stranger. That was his formula for building a successful insurance agency from scratch which he took great pride in. God Bless The Family
Larry Mahar
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Carla and John,
I'm very sorry to learn of your loss.
Your dad was always fun to be around. He had a smile for all those he met.
God bless you and your mom at this difficult time.
Bob Barham
Sunday, March 10, 2024
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was sure a nice man and I know he will be missed by many folks. Sending prayers for his family.
Phil Yacovoni
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Mr. Tate was one of the very best. I was impressed with him and his wonderful wife when I first met them over 20 years ago. He has an amazing family that I know he loved very much. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to meet him and thankful for his selfless service to our great country, along with John and Carla. You’ll be missed very much but you left a magnificent legacy on this earth! Rest in Peace Fred!
Susan Alexander
Saturday, March 9, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like this is a man that I and several others would've been blessed to know. I will be praying for your family.
Pam & John Bearden
Saturday, March 9, 2024
John, Valera and family, our love and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. Great man. One of the best insurance agents. He will be certainly missed.
Pam & John Bearden
Doris Hutchins
Saturday, March 9, 2024
The Tates and my family have lived in Conway East subdivision longer than anyone else. They are wonderful people and neighbors! For many years I counted on seeing Fred and Valera, without fail, passing my house in the Prius headed to First United Methodist Church services.
Wishing comfort to his family as they grieve his loss.
Kenneth and Terry Williams
Saturday, March 9, 2024
I met Mr. Tate when he and my grandfather were in the Shriners together . He is one of the nicest men I've known , always smiling . He will be missed by many . To John and his family there are no words that can make this easier , I wish there was . Just remember he is always with you .
Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Tim Rowlett
Saturday, March 9, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Fred was a good man and friend. He became my insurance agent in 1979. He always looked out for me and my family. He will be greatly missed.
Doris Hutchins
Saturday, March 9, 2024
The Tates and my family have lived in Conway East subdivision longer than anyone else. They are wonderful people and neighbors! For many years I counted on seeing Fred and Valera, without fail, passing my house in the Prius headed to First United Methodist Church services.
Wishing comfort to his family as they grieve his loss.
John Couvillion
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Fred was slwsys a happy go lucky guy on our Shelter trips, always a pleasure to be around.
Vivian Hoyt
Saturday, March 9, 2024
I taught school with Fred in Perryville many years ago. He was a good friend and always a breath of fresh air to converse with at school. Prayers for Valery and family on the loss of this great guy.
Larry Stewart
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Knew Fred for many years with MFA and Shelter. Never saw him without a smile. He will certainly be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Fred.
Deborah I Bradley
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Oh man i am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Fred. He was so good to me and Lynn, When he was a coach at Perryville High School my sister and myself baby set John and Karla. I even named my daughter Karla after his daughter. I loved to use to go and see him every time I was in Conway but as years went by distance between our lives it became difficult for me to do that. I am sorry for not visiting him more. May each of you find comfort in your Lord during this time of loss.
Jimmy Baker
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Mrs. Tate, Carla and John
I was truly saddened to hear of the passing of your husband and father. Stay strong and take care of each other.
Georgia Clark Ross
Saturday, March 9, 2024
I'm so sorry! Praying for family!
Patricia Hill
Friday, March 8, 2024
Fred was always interesting to talk to. I worked in accounting at the home office. I loved when he needed help. He was great to talk with. I will be thinking about all of the family. I know he will be missed.
Marty Quinn
Friday, March 8, 2024
Fred Tate was a well respected leader in the education field, the military and insurance industry. I appreciated his advice and respected his standards that made him who he was. Prayers of peace and comfort to Fred’s good family.
Amanda and Bret Yarbro
Friday, March 8, 2024
Such a kind man. Praying for the family and friends.
Vicki McClendon
Friday, March 8, 2024
Coach Tate was a great coach and I encountered him in the insurance world as well. He was so good to check on my brothers, especially Ray. Such a kind man! Prayers for the family.
Fay and Dar Humphrey
Friday, March 8, 2024
So sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. What a man. RIP Fred
God Bless
Fay and Dar
Don Bingham
Friday, March 8, 2024
The life of the party! Such great memories of stopping by the office! Fred will be missed! Our prayers are with your beautiful family!
Debbie Sanchez
Friday, March 8, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was a wonderful person - I met Fred and Valera after he tracked down my husband who he was in the service with - “3 Feathers “ you are loved and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Valera and the family for peace and strength.
Johnny West
Friday, March 8, 2024
RIP Mr Tate , He was my baseball coach
Priscilla King
Friday, March 8, 2024
My deepest sympathy!! I will never forget Shelter’s program - “A Date with Tate” as well as talking with Mr. Fred Tate on conference trips. He will truly be missed!! Prayers for the family.
Lana McCormick
Friday, March 8, 2024
Fred is a legend. He worked hard and helped everybody around him. I will miss him and his antics and The Great Chemistry Dump!
My love goes out to Valera and her children. This family inspired me. And we know we will see Fred again...
Paul Voborny
Friday, March 8, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss Tate family but I am glad such a great man lived.
Jean Fitzwater
Friday, March 8, 2024
My thoughts and prayers to Valera, Carla, John and family! I always considered Coach/Fred to be a dear friend. Praying for comfort to you all.
Ty and Brooke Landthrip
Friday, March 8, 2024
Much Love Tate Family...
Paul Humenansky
Friday, March 8, 2024
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your loved ones. Paul
Trish Bruckner
Friday, March 8, 2024
Carla and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Fred was a great neighbor to me when I lived in the neighborhood. I pray for comfort, strength and peace for all of you.
Danny & Rita Harris
Friday, March 8, 2024
What a guy! To say Fred Tate was an outstanding individual doesn’t give him the credit he deserves. It was a great honor of mine to have known and worked with him.
Rest in peace and enjoy your eternal rewards, Fred because you certainly deserve them!
David Jeffs
Friday, March 8, 2024
I really enjoyed all the years I knew Fred. What a wonderful man. So sorry for your loss. David Jeffs
Kara Campbell
Friday, March 8, 2024
Much love to all of you.
Jim and Kara