Larry Lee Tate

Reidsville – Mr. Larry Lee Tate, 72, of 2208 Gibbs Rd, Reidsville went home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at his home. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 3rd at 2 pm at Wilkerson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors Ken Goins, Marvin Bowman, and Dwayne McDaniel officiating. The entombment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 2nd from 6 - 8 pm at Wilkerson Funeral Home and at other times at the home. Larry was born in Rockingham County on July 25, 1943 to the late Aubrey Raymond and Lillian Paschal Tate. Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. “Papa”, as he was called, loved his grandbabies and always took pride in their accomplishments. Though a man of few words, he was always willing to listen and offer advice when asked. When deciding on a major investment in life, he often said “It’s whatever it’s worth to you.” Larry loved the outdoors and nature. He always worked hard to maintain a beautiful yard, caring for his flowers, and planting a big garden. He enjoyed having plenty of birdfeeders and watching his birds, squirrels and chipmunks. He was an avid reader who self-taught himself in many trades from playing the guitar, to locksmithing, to repairing anything that was broken around the house. Music was his hobby and passion. He spent hours on his Bluegrass music collection. He loved making people laugh with his funny ditties on the guitar or mandolin. He was loved dearly and will be greatly missed. Along with his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brothers Felton, Grady, and Wade Tate, brothers-in-law Tommy Stone, Sr. and Harold Zimmerman, sister-in-laws, Gladys Tate and Francis Tate, nephews, Darrell Tate, Gary Wayne Tate, Tommy Stone, Jr. and niece-in-law, Dale McDaniel. Larry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ann Cardwell Tate; his son Randy and wife, Carolyn; his daughters, Sandy Smith and fiancé, William Johnson and Christie Ross and husband, Tony; his grandchildren, Brittany and Lathan Smith, Camden and Brady Ross, Carolyn Townsend, Todd Sherman, Jr., Dustin Sherman and Ben Sherman; his great-grandchildren, Taryn Rowles, Bryant and Brynn Townsend, Cadmus and Theodore Sherman, Miles and Lucas Sherman; his sisters, Vernie Stone and Sadie Zimmerman; his brother, Clyde Tate; his sisters-in-law, Juanita Tate and Lois Vernon; and numerous nieces and nephews.