Mr. Franklin Roosevelt “Bob” Tate, son of the late Gainsville Tate, Sr. and Nannie Dawkins Tate was born November 9, 1933 in Gaffney, SC. He was the husband of the late Mrs. Willie Ruth Dawkins Tate, who was the love of his life. Mr. “Bob” Tate was baptized at an early age and joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Gaffney, SC. He was a humble man with a kind disposition that touched everyone he met. His motto was “Treat everybody like you want to be treated.”

Mr. “Bob” Tate worked as a supervisor at Sunny Slope Farms in Gaffney, SC for many years before he retired. He will be remembered as a man with compassion and a generous giving and sharing spirit. We loved him, but God loved him best. So God sent His angels to Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home on Saturday, January 21, 2023 around 8:15 AM to bring him home.

Mr. “Bob” Tate will be dearly missed but his legacy will endure through those he inspired along the way. Left to cherish many fond and loving memories: one son, Franklin C. Tate (Audrey) of Gaffney, SC; two daughters, Minister Kathey Tate of Spartanburg, SC; 1st Lady Lesha Brannon (Elder Terry) of Boiling Springs, SC; one sister, Essie Bell Richardson of Gaffney, SC. Grandchildren: Marcus Tate (Laresa) of the home; Franklin D. Tate; Asia Suber, India Suber, Kenya Suber, Terrance Smith, Jamaal Sims and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him dearly.

He was presided in death by six brothers: Conies, John, Miles, Elford, Gainsville Jr., Willie. Four sisters: Lola Jefferies, Ruthie Lee Mayberry, Lillie Mae Dawkins and Nancy Jane Littlejohn.

A Celebration of the Life of Franklin Tate will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 218 W. Drive L. M.Rosemond Ln., Gaffney, SC. Burial will be in the Frederick Memorial Gardens, 986 Chesnee Hwy., Gaffney, SC. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC.