Melvin Wendell Tate

06-22-1940 to 01-01-2024

Melvin Wendell Tate was born June 22, 1940, to his late mother and father Theodore and Beulah Tate (Walker). Melvin deported his life on January 1, 2024, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. he was a lifelong member of First AME Zion church. He was educated in the Knox County School system until he relocated to Jefferson City where he graduated from Nelson Merry High School in 1959. Melvin served in the United States, Marine Corps. Melvin retired from Knoxville Utilities Board after 32 years.

He was the commissioner for the Baby Road runners organization for 40 years; he was inducted into the Knoxville Hall of Fame and received NAACP Unsung Heroes Award.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife, Mary J. Tate of 65 years; his son Gregory Tate, Sr.;  Daughters Vanessa Smith, Vanessa (Peaches) Tate, Beverly Moore; sisters, Mary (William)Carter; Sisters in Law: Ernestine Williams, Denise Smith, Elizabeth Humphrey, 

Brothers: Kenneth (Vivian) and Phillip Smith and a host of family members too many to mention. Melvin loved his grand children, great grand children to mention a special nephew, George Kemp;

Receiving of friends January 9, 2024 from 11:00 AM, Celebration to follow 12:00 PM at Greater Warner Tabernacle Baptist Church.