Harold “Buddy” Tate, 84 of China Spring, passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2018.
Memorial Visitation: 9:30 am, Monday, August 6 at First United Methodist Church of Waco
Memorial Service: 10:00 am, Monday, August 6 at First United Methodist Church of Waco with the Revs. Stephen Ramsdell, Wayne Williams, and Ryan Barnett officiating.
Harold was born in Waxahachie, Texas on July 12, 1934, to William Bernie Tate, Jr. and Ruby Jewel Tate. He graduated from Waxahachie High School and earned a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of North Texas in 1957. Shortly after graduation, Harold married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Mary Jane Curry Tate.
Before Harold began his career, he answered the call to serve in the United States Army as an SP 4. After serving in the Army, he went on to work for Mobil Oil. As a son of a farmer, Harold had a love for the land and for the farming way of life, so it only seemed natural that the majority of his career was spent working for John Deere Company promoting the farming way with great passion. He retired from John Deere Company in 1986 after 26 years. He continued his work with farm equipment sales running his own business after retiring from John Deere.
Harold loved his work, but his greatest love was spending time with his wife, family, three beloved granddaughters, and his horses. The years spent with his granddaughters in the hay field, show barn, and rodeo arena were some of the best times of his life. Harold was devoted to his faith in God and loved spending time with his men’s Bible study group. He is remembered as a friendly, kind, wise, and loving man that truly considered everyone a friend.
Harold is survived by his wife and best friend of 61 years, Mary Jane Tate of China Spring; his son, Gary Tate and wife, Angie, of Aquilla; his daughter, Christie Tate Walker and husband, Jim, of China Spring; his granddaughters Jordan and Lauren Walker of China Spring and Brianna Tate of Aquilla; his brother Johnny Tate and wife Flora of Grapevine; nieces and nephews, and other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Harold’s memory to First United Methodist Church of Waco, 4901 Cobbs Drive Waco, TX 76710, or God is Big Enough Ministries, P.O. Box 24263 Waco, TX 76702.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: First United Methodist Church of Waco , 4901 Cobbs Drive; Waco, TX 76710
Print Obituary & Condolences
Mary Jane and Family,
Good by, dear friend…you were a wonderful employee for John Deere Dallas for many years, and made significant contributions to our operations…you will be missed!
My deepest sympathy.
Dave Noble, VP & Gen. Mgr 1979-1991
To Harold’s family:
My sympathy for your loss. Harold was one of the John Deere professionals I looked up to and proud to have known during my career with John Deere. Harold always had a smile and words of wisdom for his fellow employees. He will be missed.
Ron Schwertner
Heartfelt sympathy to Christie and her family on the loss of her dad. With much love from your family at CPD.
Love and prayers for you and your family Christie. Love you friend.
so sorry for your loss a very nice man greg wade
To the Tate family,
I feel fortunate to have worked with Harold. He was the nicest man and had a great sense of humor.
Take care sweet Mary Jane.
Enjoyed working with Harold at John Deere. Always friendly and very helpful. Condolences for his family.
Mom and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary I am so sorry to hear of your dad passing. He was such a sweet pleasant man and fun to team Pen with. I always had such high respect for him.
Prayers to you and your family.
Sweet Mary Jane. I am so sorry for your loss. Harold was one of the finest Christian men I have ever known. And I know he was a great husband. He will be missed by us all. ❤️ Diane Wofford
Gary, my condolences to you and your family with the passing of your Dad. I feel blessed to have had him as a friend through a horse named Rascal. Harold was the kindest person and will be missed by everyone that knew him. God bless you all.
J. B. and Helen Sims & Family:
August 06, 2018
Dear Family,
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one and our friend, Buddy. We bear your loss in our hearts and in our prayers. We pray for your comfort and peace. Our families go back a long way and memories bring a smile to our hearts. Thank you for your friendship all these years. God bless you all always.
I want to join a long list people who very sad to hear of Harold’s passing but are very happy to have known him. We had so many good times together which we have not forgotten.
Our greatest simpathy goes out to Mary Jane, Christy and Gary and their families. We will all miss him.
We were very sorry to hear on Harolds death. Harold was a good friend to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. We know that through faith and prayer, we can survive all things. May God bless and comfort you in this loss.
Ramsey Family
Angus Valley Farms
Elm Mott, Tx