Franklin Tate Obituary in Spartanburg at J.W. Woodward Funeral Home

Obituary For Franklin Tate

Mr. Franklin Roosevelt “Bob” Tate, son of the late Gainsville Tate, Sr. and Nannie Dawkins Tate was born November 9, 1933 in Gaffney, SC. He was the husband of the late Mrs. Willie Ruth Dawkins Tate, who was the love of his life. Mr. “Bob” Tate was baptized at an early age and joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Gaffney, SC. He was a humble man with a kind disposition that touched everyone he met. His motto was “Treat everybody like you want to be treated.”

Mr. “Bob” Tate worked as a supervisor at Sunny Slope Farms in Gaffney, SC for many years before he retired. He will be remembered as a man with compassion and a generous giving and sharing spirit. We loved him, but God loved him best. So God sent His angels to Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home on Saturday, January 21, 2023 around 8:15 AM to bring him home.

Mr. “Bob” Tate will be dearly missed but his legacy will endure through those he inspired along the way. Left to cherish many fond and loving memories: one son, Franklin C. Tate (Audrey) of Gaffney, SC; two daughters, Minister Kathey Tate of Spartanburg, SC; 1st Lady Lesha Brannon (Elder Terry) of Boiling Springs, SC; one sister, Essie Bell Richardson of Gaffney, SC. Grandchildren: Marcus Tate (Laresa) of the home; Franklin D. Tate; Asia Suber, India Suber, Kenya Suber, Terrance Smith, Jamaal Sims and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him dearly.

He was presided in death by six brothers: Conies, John, Miles, Elford, Gainsville Jr., Willie. Four sisters: Lola Jefferies, Ruthie Lee Mayberry, Lillie Mae Dawkins and Nancy Jane Littlejohn.

A Celebration of the Life of Franklin Tate will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 218 W. Drive L. M.Rosemond Ln., Gaffney, SC. Burial will be in the Frederick Memorial Gardens, 986 Chesnee Hwy., Gaffney, SC. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC.

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Rest in Paradise.. Armstrong Family

Sorry for your loss. May God Bless and keep you. He was a good Christian man. Bertha and J. Frank Harris

I worked many days with Bob at Sunny Slope Farms building irrigation ponds and preparing land for peach trees. He could operate all machinery to perfection! His kind smile always made our work easier. Truly sorry for your loss. Charles Banks

My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time. I pray that the God of all comfort will grant you peace and strength. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.
Paul & Sandra Gilliam

Our deepest sympathies and prayers to the family. Mr. Rodney ,Mrs.Angela Wood & family. 🙏🏽

Prayers to my bestfriend Asia and her family during this time. Although, I didn't ever meet Mr. Tate, I have heard nothing but wonderful things about him. Sending light, love, peace, and comfort to the family and friends during this time.
Love,
Vic

So sorry for your loss. May God strengthen and uplift each of you. I am also uplifting your family in prayer, Brenda Harris

To a man whom was always so kind and friendly. My dad would talk about you giving him peaches 🍑 and you wouldn't take any money even tho daddy would try to get you to take it, that's just the way you were. I will miss you love Mrs. Debbie Sue Dover & Family.

To The Tate Family My Condolences and Prayers To The Family
Linda (Logan)Askari

It give us a pursuit of sadness to have to let this flower go; such an humble Dad; Grandfather; Brother: Uncle; and to some a great Friend! Rest on now you fought a good fight and left a legacy of wonderful memories! You will be forever Missed! Jefferies- Tate Family!

To my grandfather, Franklin Tate it brings me comfort knowing you are in heaven with nana, your siblings, your parents and with God. I thank you for teaching us so much about life and hard work. I enjoyed spending time with you and hearing your stories. I will miss summers in the country, holidays, weekends in Cowpens and of course your famous peaches. Your pure heart just can't be replaced. You get your rest now. We will see you again one day. Love Asia aka Asier

To my grandfather, Franklin Tate, thank you for your love and protection. Your heart was gentle, and you always sought to help those around you. To know you was to love you. Not only did you help your family but you also poured into your community by providing farming and landscaping services, engaging in church functions, and crop sharing. God loaned us 89 beautiful years with you and may you go on to use your gifts in the kingdom. With love, India Suber

Mr BobTate / papa was a wonderful mentor to everyone who knew him papa impacted many lives including mine I'm blessed to have had him as my son's grandfather my thoughts & prayers be with the Tate family during this difficult time RIP PAPA Barbara Thompson-Williams

Dr. Patrick Suber

Mr. Tate was a good and kind-hearted person who had never met a stranger. He was a complex and dedicated worker who loved his family. "Bob" always provided for his late wife, Willie Ruth, his children, and grandchildren. Mr. Tate always had a smile and was willing to help anyone he could. So many people will miss Mr. Tate, but I know we will see him and Mrs. Willie Ruth again one day. Mr. Tate, you worked hard, and now you can rest from your long service life. Blessed are those who die in the Lord, and their good works will follow them.

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC