Jerry Tate

Robert G. “Jerry” Tate, 82, passed away during surgery September 4, 2021.  Jerry was a native Athenian, but for the past two years he had lived in an assisted living facility in South Carolina to be closer to family.  Jerry was a loving son and brother.  He was the son of the late Robert C and Ruby Porterfield Tate and the brother of Donna Tate (deceased).  He is survived by his former wife, Frances Dixon Tate Allen of Athens, and their three children; Tracy Tate, of Maggie Valley, NC, Susan (Gil) Smith of Lexington, SC, and Larry (Hillary) Tate of Nashville, TN.  He also leaves behind his grandsons, Derek (Jamie) Smith of Brooklyn, NY and Dylan Smith of Missoula, Mt. and cousin Deborah Porterfield of Athens.

Jerry was a graduate of UGA and a huge bulldog fan. Most of his career he was self-employed as a Boat Manufacturer’s Rep.  He was a born salesman and promoter. He always believed “the more the merrier” and he loved to get together with people whether it was by his pool, at a restaurant, tailgating, or hosting a poker party.  He was a member of Tuckston United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home East, Sunday, September 19, from 2-4 pm.  A private internment at Evergreen Memorial will follow at a later date.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com