Clifford Tate Sr.

Clifford Edwillard Tate, Sr. came into human existence on August 8, 1925 in Knoxville, TN. His mother was Nellie Tate. He left us on December 21, 2024 at his home in Knoxville (Fountain City) at the age of 99 years and 4 months, surrounded by family.

On January 23, 1943, he married his life-mate, Mattie Louise Imes, in Rossville, Georgia. To this union, children were born, and they were considered a close, caring family. He was known to his children and descendants as "Paw Paw." He loved his wife and especially loved her famous chicken and dumplings. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing and watching baseball, fishing, and road trips with his wife and children.

He served in the United States Navy, and at the end of his military service, he was employed by Hermitage Pipe Concrete Company. He worked at the same company for 44 years before retiring.

He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would spend considerable time with them. He would play checkers, work puzzles, and occasionally play his harmonica. Later in life, he enjoyed watching the Tennessee Titans and the UT Vols.

He united and was baptized at the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, Inc. and was chosen and consecrated to be a deacon and later designated as the elder of the church.

He is predeceased by his wife of almost 81 years, Mattie; his mother, Nellie Tate; his grandmother, Cora Tate; brother, William (Jesse) Tate; sisters, Mary (Eugene) Imes, Corlee (Charles) Cobb; aunt, Lillian Turner; mother and father-in-law, Leola (Jasper) Beard; sister and brothers-in-law, Catherine (Edwin) "Rocky" Wynder, John (Barbara) Imes; and daughter, Vickie Elaine Tate.

His memory will remain with his children: Clifford Jr. (Bertha), William (Hye Suk), Carolyn, Ronald (Silvia), Gregory, Patricia (Julius), Doris, Gary (Kathy), Janet (Warren), Karen (Jesse), Anthony (Linda), Kevin (Robin), Steven (Mary), Angela, Sandra (Leon); 34 grandchildren; 79 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.

Special friends to include: Beverly Ward, Mary Hodges, Rev. Rickey Freeman, Bill (Joy) Blazer, Jean Cochran, and the entire Canaan Baptist Church Family.

Clifford Tate, Sr. will lie in-state, Friday, December 27, 2024, 5:00 to 6:00pm at Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, Inc., 1117 Beaman Lake Rd, Knoxville, TN 37914.

Family will receive friends Saturday, December 28, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00am at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 2137 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915, with funeral services to follow.

Interment Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 10:00am at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920.

Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.