Kenneth Ross Tate
Kenneth Ross Tate, age 88, of Cohutta, Georgia, departed this life Thursday morning, July 18, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Kenneth was born Dec. 1, 1935, in Dalton, Ga., a son of the late Glenn Paul and Ruby Irene Hendricks Tate. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Katherine and Hoyt McMahan and Mildred and Benny Allen, his grandparents, Jim and Odie Tate and John Robert and Ana Dora Harrison Hendricks, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vernon and Anna Evans, his grandmother-in-law, Goldie Deavers, his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, Deborah and Winfred Bearden and Gary Evans.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Frances Evans Tate of the residence; sons and daughters-in-law, Kendall and Jennifer Tate, and Glenn and Tonja Tate; grandchildren, Jared and Christy Tate, Valerie Tate and Aurelio Diaz, Chandler and Louise Tate, Jacob Tate, Katie Tate, Megan and Kirby Young, and Emma Fauscett; great-grandchildren, Phoenix Diaz, Hailey Bramlett, Noah Diaz, Madalyn Tate, Ava Tate, William Tate, Julia Young, Bohannon Young, Sebastian Diaz, and Alicia Diaz; nieces and nephews, Linda and Jimmy White and Glenda and Alex Casteel; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dewayne and Tina Evans, Phillip and Erica Evans, and Beverly Evans; and his beloved Chihuahua, Roxie, who was always by his side.
Kenneth was a man of unwavering faith and dedication and is leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, integrity and faith. He was devoted to his loving wife, Frances. They shared a remarkable 62-year marriage, demonstrating an unbreakable bond and deep commitment to each other. They celebrated life’s joys and weathered its storms together, always finding strength in their love for one another. Their union was grounded in a deep faith in the Lord, serving as an inspiring example of a godly marriage.
As a valued member of Central Community Church in Chatsworth, he embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending faith in the Lord.
Kenneth really was the true definition of a hard worker, he retired twice! Who retires twice? — first from Mohawk Industries and then went on to work over 20 years at Ponders Funeral Home. He really truly loved working at Ponders, and would have worked even longer if he had been able. His work brought him immense joy, but his work ethic didn’t stop there. In his free time, Kenneth was often found working outside; mowing the lawn, cutting down trees, and working on his tractor even if Frances was getting on to him because it was too hot outside. He was very dependable, helping anyone whenever he could and truly was an all around great man. Not a bad word could be said about Kenneth.
He was passionate about sports. Loved golfing with his sons. He never missed a ball game, performance, play or graduation of his grandkids and great grandkids, and he was a true fan of Georgia Tech and the Atlanta Braves. Going on a Cruise was one of his favorite vacations. Him and Frances went on at least 13 cruises, earning him the teasing nickname “Two Scoops" for his love of having two scoops of ice cream for dessert. He also had a deep appreciation for Westerns, especially those starring John Wayne.
Kenneth’s life was a testament to his love for God and his love for his wife and family. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Kenneth Ross Tate will be held on Tuesday, July 23, at 1 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Brother Edwin Puckett and Brother Stephen Parrish officiating. He will be laid to rest with his family at Ponders Colonial Hills Memorial Park with Michael Evans, Derek Bell, Daryl Bell, Damon Evans, Cory Quarles and Dennis Henry honored to serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5-9 p.m. on Monday and after 11 a.m. Tuesday until the service hour.
Arrangements are by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Ga. 30721, 706 226-4002.