George Tate

George Wilson Tate Mr. Tate, 87, of Charlotte, NC died Saturday, March 21, 2009 at his residence. A native Charlottean, he was born May 9, 1921, son of the late John Austin Tate and Sarah Wilson Tate. George grew up at the corner of Hopedale and Queens Road, his family having moved there in the early 20's from downtown Charlotte. He was one of four children, and is survived by his younger sister, Sarah Lindsay Tate of Raleigh. His older siblings, Betsy Tate Freeman and John Austin Tate, Jr. predeceased him. His formative years were spent in what was the developing southeast Charlotte. In his early teens, George left Charlotte for Culver Military Academy in northern Indiana. He returned to North Carolina to attend Davidson College. His education was interrupted by World War II when he chose to enlist in the U.S. Army. As he made this decision, he also made one of the most important decisions of his life: to marry is childhood sweetheart. On September 9, 1943 George married Elizabeth Robinson Hoppe. Libby and George would spend 65 wonderful years together. George shipped out in 1944 to join his comrades-in-arms in the European theatre. Soon after arriving in Italy, he was captured by the Germans and remained a prisoner of war until liberated at war's end. George and Libby were blessed with three children: George "Pudge" Wilson Tate, Jr. and his wife, Jane of Spartanburg, SC; William "Billy" Hoppe Tate of Charlotte and Elizabeth "Libby" Tate Higgins of Greenville, SC and subsequently, four grandchildren: Mary Austin Tate Bolin and her husband, Rob, Jane Wilson Snyder and her husband, William, John "Tate" Higgins and David William Higgins and one great-grandchild, Will Bolin. George loved his family and George loved life. He started his career at Hoppe Motors, an early Chrysler franchise for the Charlotte Area. Later he worked with Freeman and McClintock in the real estate business. In addition to his family he loved his church. He and Libby joined St. Martin's Episcopal after marrying, where he would be the Sunday School Superintendent and a member of the vestry. The family would like to express appreciation and gratitude to Maria Dobbins, Char Pryce, Tiffany Wright and Kim Walden of Hospice and to Teddi McMillian for the loving and gentle care that they provided to George. In lieu of flowers, the family extends its appreciation for any memorial gifts and asks that they be directed to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204; The Resident's Assistance Fund at Sharon Towers, 5100 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210; St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 1510 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204 or the charity of the donor?s choice. A service to give thanks and celebrate George W. Tate's life will be held Wednesday, March 25, at 11:00 AM at St Martin's Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.