David Mitchell Tate

Published 8:25 pm Thursday, September 10, 2015

David Mitchell Tate
Jan. 24, 1926 – Sept. 9, 2015

DAVID TATE

David Mitchell Tate, age 89, a former resident of Pamlico Beach, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Tate was born on Snake Island in Beaufort County on January 24, 1926 to the late David Samuel and Lucy Cornelius Tate.

He was married to Nancy Respass Tate, who preceded him in death in 1989.  He later married the former Edna White Phelps in 1990, and she survives.  He is also survived by his children, Sharon Tate Schuelke and her husband, Jim of West Virginia and Ellen Sass Respass and her husband, H.A. of Plymouth, NC; and his sisters, Dorothy Daniels, Gladys Kirk, Julia Respass, Joyce Daniels and Lorene Moores.  Additionally, he is survived by nine grandchildren, Rebecca, James, Michael, Christina, Filmore, Tesha, David, Lin and Michelle; and 17 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and first wife, Mr. Tate was preceded in death by his sons Dennis Alan Tate and David Mitchell Tate Jr. and his brothers, Lloyd, Joe Ed, Walter, Lawrence, Lindsey and Bill.

Mr. Tate began working as a commercial fisherman at the age of 7 and held a life-long career in the industry, owning his own business.  He was a member of Wades Point Pentecostal Holiness Church.  Mr. Tate was skilled at net-making and was even contacted by NASA to design a net for capsule reentry.  He was a man who enjoyed life, loved to dance and entertain you with his jokes.  Additionally, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, even while on vacation from his normal job.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at Hillside Funeral Service, Washington, with Rev. Jim Schuelke officiating.  Burial will follow at the Tate Family Cemetery in Belhaven. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations and other times at the home of his daughter, Ellen Respass in Plymouth. Memorials may be made to Wades Point Pentecostal Holiness Church, 2026 Old Pamlico Beach Road W., Belhaven, NC  27810.

You may share a memory with the family and view Mr. Tate’s memorial by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com. Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 Hwy 264 E., Washington, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Tate family.