Tate, James Arthur

James Arthur Tate, 87, of Curve Road, Pearisburg, departed this life Saturday afternoon, November 29, 2008 at Giles Memorial Hospital in Pearisburg. Born in Nemours, West Virginia on September 22, 1921, he was a son of the late Arthur and Alma Slaughter Tate.

“Jim” was a skilled mechanic, serving in several local auto repair services, including Virginia Garage Ford Dealership in Pearisburg, where he served as shop foreman and 460 Repair Service that he operated in Pembroke. He had served as a Deputy Sheriff in Giles County and was a faithful member of the church family at Bethel Chapel Church in Clendennin.

He was preceded in death by a son, Bradley Tate, a son-in-law, Paul Price, brothers, Cecil and Clifton Tate and sisters Bernice Harless and Frankie Rice. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 69 years, Cleo Rice Tate; three sons and daughters-in-law, David A. and Ellen T. Tate, of Pearisburg, Stanley and Diane B. Tate, of Rich Creek, Kevin and Robin R. Tate, of Salem; three daughters and sons-in-law, Helen Price, of Richmond, Margie R. and Mickey Cochran, of Wirtz, Althea and Dorcy Burton, of Mechanicsville; twelve grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 11 a.m. in Bethel Chapel Church in Clendennin, with Pastor Eddie Kendall officiating. Burial will follow in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will receive friends at the Kendall Funeral Home at 605 Snidow St. in Pembroke Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Online condolences may be sent by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.