of Mountain Home, AR
June 2, 1953 - April 23, 2025
Mr. Randall Lee Tate, 71, of Mountain Home passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. He was born June 2, 1953 in Walnut Ridge, AR to the late Delbert Lee and Juanita (Fisher) Tate.
Randall graduated from El Paso High School, El Paso, IL in 1971. He spent his entire career with Firestone, retiring in 2011 as a Quality Control Manager. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Gayla, the love of his life, whose bond was evident to all who knew them. His faith was central to his life and he was a beloved presence in his church family. Known for his helpful spirit, he never hesitated to assist friends and neighbors whenever there was a need. In his spare time, Randall enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and restoring cars.
Though there are too many to name, each of his friends holds a special place in our hearts for the joy and comfort you brought him.
He is survived by his wife, Gayla (Sullivan) Tate of the home; mother, Evalyn Tate; three daughters, Julia (Mike) Keene of Mackinaw, IL, Gretchen (Rob) Uphoff of El Paso, IL and Lacy Tate of Normal, IL; eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren; three sisters, Karen (Pete) Manhart of Downs, IL, Cathy (Denny) Hiscock of Pana, IL, Marie Clem of Heyworth, IL; Sister in-law, Jan (Ted) Rossiter of Bloomington, IL; beloved dog, Nina and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandson, Tate Orabutt.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Gregory Elders, Cindy Bruce, Highland's Oncology, Baxter Home Healthcare, Hospice House and Hospice of the Ozarks, who showed great compassion and dedication. A special thanks to Dr. John and Cheryl Spore.
Visitation for Mr. Randall Lee Tate will be from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at East Side Baptist Church in Mountain Home with a funeral service to follow, with Scott Speer officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Side Baptist Church Outreach Fund, Hospice House of the Ozarks or a charity of your choice.
In addition to the services held in Mountain Home, there will be a celebration of life on May 17th at Trinity Community Fellowship in Farmer City, IL.
Delbert told me that I would like Randy and he was never more right.
We appreciate the friendship & kindness of Randy & Gayla! There’s no doubt we will be hanging out when we get to Heaven. But until then we will be about building God’s Kingdom! Love & prayers for Gayla & family! Pastor Chris & Paula Butler
Randy, you will be missed by so many You were a man with a true servant's heart. I will forever treasure the friendship that we had in Illinois and our shared faith. Gayla and family, I know this leaves a huge hole in your lives. Cherish each and every precious memory, the laughter and most of all the love. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you for God's comfort and peace.
Randy was a cousin and we grew up together early in our childhood. Later in life we re-connected and I thought he was the nicest person. He and Gayla were such a sweet couple and were just made for each other.
Gayla, my heart breaks for you, stay strong in your faith. Fly high Randy!!
This just breaks my heart. Gayla, I’m so very sorry you’re going through this loss.. he was a great man and loved you so dearly. I’m so glad I had the privilege of knowing him in this lifetime. My deepest condolences to all of his family.
I really enjoyed attending Sunday School Class and Church with Randy and Gayla. When there was a need they were there to help. We will miss Randy in our class. God received another great Christian man. Praying for Gayla and sending my deepest sympathy!! Love, Sandy Loftis!
Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
Prayers for all your sweet family.
My husband and I had the privilege to meet Randy & Gayla while we were camping in Florida with family. We were able to see firsthand the love he had for Gayla when we had a surprise anniversary party for them at camp. He was a special, Christian friend that let his light shine in everything he did. Heaven’s gain and our loss.
Pat and I have been attending Bible Study with Randy and Gayla for a few years at EastSide. It didn't take long after we met them to know we had gained a very special couple for a priceless friendship. I'll just share one example to show what a giving couple they have been. Another couple attending our class lived a few miles out of town that had a long gravel driveway that was almost impossible to drive over due to heavy rains. We collected enough money to have 2 large loads of gravel delivered to their place but had no way to spread the gravel. When Randy learned of the need, he said he had a tractor and would go spread the gravel. Someone said we should take up another collection to pay Randy for his labor and fuel for his tractor. Randy said, "No you won't". He spent 2 days working on the driveway and several dollars of fuel and wouldn't take a dime for it. Gayla, we've lost a very special friend but Heaven has gained a wonderful Christian Man.
God got a keeper to keep at his side. We have lost a true Christian friend.