Gary Lewis Tate, 65, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C. He was born on May 14, 1957, in Iredell County, N.C., and was the son of the late Joe Moten and Mary Neal Tate.

Gary was raised by his late grandparents, James and Viola Tate, and he was the oldest of eight siblings.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Edwards Tate, and a daughter, Melissa Evette Tate.

Gary attended South Iredell High School and later he joined the United States Army, at an early age, where he was honorably discharged. He was a member of Miracle Tabernacle of Deliverance in Statesville, N.C., and he worked as an avid roofer, which was his passion. He enjoyed playing cards, cooking, and hanging with family and friends. Gary lived his life to the fullest, and he never met a stranger. He was a hard worker until his health started to fail. He dedicated his life to Christ and enjoyed going to church. Gary fought a good fight and will truly be missed.

Gary leaves to cherish the memories of his life a daughter, LaToya Tate; brothers, Ricky (Lisa) Tate of Statesville, Robert (Leslie) Sherrill, Johnathan Morris of Harmony, and SFC Vincent Morris of Poland; sisters, Mary Ethel Sherrill of Statesville, Doralene Campbell of Harmony, and Treava (Dwain) Evans of Harmony; grandchildren, Christian Tate, Jasmine Hayes, Julia Maye, Jalen Maye, and Trevionne Poston; and great grandchildren, Royce Rylan, Aaiden Jones, and Jalen Maye Jr.; aunts, Betty Barnes and Grace Tate; his childhood friends, Chris Oswalt and Jay Roy Morrison; and a host of other uncles, aunts, cousins, church members, other relatives, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary, Statesville, N.C., at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Pastor Lonnie Harper will do the eulogy.

Visit the book of memories for Gary Lewis Tate at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Tate family.