Dr. Russell J Tate, Sr., of Vass, passed away Friday, July 21, 2023, at his home with his family by his side.
Dr. Tate was born in Blowing Rock, NC to the late Jule Welch Tate and Fannie Pearl Jaynes Tate. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Jule Welch Tate III, brothers, John Manson Tate and Jule Welch Tate and sisters, Elsie Catherine Tate Aiken and Naomie Adora Tate Ellis.
Dr. Tate graduated from Pinehurst High School in 1951. He then attended North Carolina State University graduating with a bachelor of science degree in the animal industry. He joined the United States Marine Corps where he fought in the Korean Conflict. After honorably serving his country he then attended North Carolina State University once more, receiving a bachelor of science in agriculture. He furthered his education in 1961 graduating from Oklahoma State University with a doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Tate returned to his roots of Moore County, NC to open a private practice, Maple Lawn Animal Clinic in Vass, NC. He later on opened a small animal practice in Sanford, NC & Raeford, NC. His first few years he devoted his time to both large and small animals. Dr. Keith Harrison joined Dr. Tate in partnership to then open The Animal Health Center of Southern Pines and The Animal Health Center of West End. Dr. Harrison and Dr. Tate worked together for 20 years.
Dr. Tate’s passion for veterinary medicine was horses. He loved fox hunting and competing in horse shows especially in Blowing Rock, NC. He met his wife, Anthea at The Blowing Rock Horse Show. He was a lifetime member of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association and the NC Zoo.
After Dr. Tate’s retirement he devoted much of his time volunteering with meals on wheels where he made life-long friendships with people in the community. He also discovered a love for bee keeping, sitting hours at a time observing his bees and sharing his honey with family and friends.
Dr. Tate loved his family more than anything. He was a devoted husband, father and granddaddy. He was member of First Baptist Church of Vass. He spent many summers at Long Beach, NC making wonderful memories with his family.
Dr. Tate is survived by his wife Anthea Tate of 61 years; his sons, Russell Tate Jr of Vass and John Tate and wife Melissa of Vass and daughter in law, Jamie Tate of Oak Island. He is also survived by grandchildren; Mary Dickson and husband Ryan, Sarah Tate, Noah Tate, Austin Tate ,Avery Tate, Cooper Tate and Mason Tate and by great grandchild, River Dickson.
The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Tate’s caregivers, Carole Wright, Sharon Mention, Dana Garner, Farah Mae Williamson, Alexis Deaton, Stephanie Domingos, Shelia McNeill, Marife Dorman and Wilma Monroe.
The family will receive friends Sunday, July 23, 2023 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Vass. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am Monday, July 24, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Vass with Pastor Bill Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Union Presbyterian Church Cemetery of Carthage, NC.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: First Baptist Church of Vass, Building Fund, PO Box 663, Vass, NC 28394 or to a donation of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Vass.
