Thomas Jerome Tate (“Tom/T.J./Teej”) peacefully passed on September 13, 2016 in Palm Bay, Florida at the age of 71.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Cheri; daughters, Julie (Keith) Eubanks and Lindsey (Mark) Curington; grandchildren, Jake and Delaney Eubanks; brothers, Steven (Shelley), Vincent (Louise) and Joseph (Susan) Tate; sister, Mary (Mike) Tripp; nieces, Kristin Rennells, Erin Steffen, Melanie Goad, and Chelsi Tate; nephews, Michael, Shawn and Zachary Tate. He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant twin brother, Lawrence.
Tom was born on June 2, 1945 in Chillicothe, Missouri to Thomas F. and Lois L. Tate. He married his “hunny bunny,” Cheri Wagaman, on June 29, 1970. Over time, the couple welcomed two daughters, who Tom lovingly nicknamed “Princess” and “Dutchess.” The girls remember their “daddy” for taking them “on dates” to sporting events, water parks, fishing, camping, and burger joints. He was a kind, gentle and supportive father.
Tom was our “war hero” serving his country in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, followed by a military assignment in Germany (a life dream realized). He was honorably discharged as a captain from the U.S. Army. He was an accomplished statistical engineer, graduating from the University of Missouri at Columbia and University of Missouri at Rolla with bachelor’s degrees in engineering and chemistry respectively. In his retirement, Tom enjoyed spending time with his family, reading, taking cruises with Cher (his “angel with the great big wings”), sharing war stories with fellow veterans and hanging out at the local Burger King, where “everybody knew his name.” He was a dedicated member of the Melbourne church of Christ.
Tom will be remembered for his love and pride in his family and country, his quick wit, twinkling eyes, ornery smile, big hugs, humorous phrasing and love of t-shirts.
If Tom were writing this memorial, it may have been worded like this:
“This may be the saddest story you’ve heard all day, but gimme a break, I’m feeling peachy! I’m in a more better gooder place and I feel that way all over, not just in spots….because I’m easy and not working too hard! God is good – there is not one Lizzie’s Liver Palace in Heaven! I can see it’s another beautiful day in Florida! ILYABAAPAAHATN”