Tommy "Tom" Clarence Tate

Tom Clarence Tate, age 75, of Maryville, TN passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Born in Jackson, TN and enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving during the Vietnam era as a Radio-man. He graduated from the University of Memphis after his military service and followed the family business by entering the auto industry with General Motors then American Motor Corp. Afterwards Tom moved into yacht sales in Florida and Virginia gaining the status of Captain. After moving to the Maryville area Tom became a Real-estate Broker and enjoyed working in land sales. He was an avid Vol sports fan, attending every game that he could, either as a fan or as an usher. Tom was always full of life and active with the lives of his children and grandchildren coaching a basketball, soccer, or baseball team. He was a member of the Maryville Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite, and the Knoxville Shriners. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Judy M. Tate of Maryville; Son, Will Tate of Oak Ridge; Daughters and son-in-law, Deborah Tate Overby of Punta Gorda, FL, and Jennifer and Bill Terry of Knoxville; Grandchildren, Mary Blair West of Denver, CO, and Wrennie Elizabeth West of Los Angeles; Brother, Charles R. Tate and wife, Mary Sue of Denver, CO; Sisters, Paula Tate Brereton and husband Dick of Jackson, TN, and Betty Elizabeth Tate Gallagher and husband Lee of Memphis, TN; Many nieces, nephews, and other family member also survive. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2016 at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with Masonic Rites and Military Honors. The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at the Smith Pavilion from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Tom’s name to the Empty Pantry Fund c/o Paul Bales, P.O. Box 9740, Maryville, TN 37802-9740. Arrangements by Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Tommy "Tom" Clarence Tate please visit our Sympathy Store.