Thomas Tate

THOMAS TATE

April 15, 1942-Dec. 21, 2021

Funeral services for Thomas Tate, 79, of Waynesboro, will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 from the Chapel of Freeman Funeral Home, with Rev. Charles Burkes and Dr. Dave Moran officiating. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021 from the Parlor of Freeman Funeral Home.

Following the funeral service, interment will take place at Arrington Cemetery.

Born in Millry, Ala., on Wednesday, April 15, 1942 to William Clayton Tate and Florrie Tate, he was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He was the founding member and singer for Thomas Tate and the Countian Bluegrass for many years. He was a member of the Mississippi Bluegrass Association.

Countian Bluegrass represented Mississippi at the World's Fair in New Orleans in 1984. He was also a professional wrestler for several years. He worked for Northern Electric for more than 20 years and was retired from Solar Group, where he worked as a Shipping Supervisor.

He died on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 at Brookwood Villa Pesonal Care Home.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Tate of Waynesboro; his daughter, Theresa McCarty of Waynesboro; three sisters, Rosalee Peterson and Louise Ford, both of Millry, and Lora Mitchell of Frankville, Ala.; his granddaughter and her spouse, Chelsea and Chase Bedwell of Waynesboero; and a great-grandchildren, Landree Bedwell.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Clayton Tate; his mother, Florrie Tate; two brothers, James Tate and Leonard Tate; and two sisters, Florine Tate and Lois McCary.

An online guestbook can be signed at www.freemanfh.com.

Freeman Funeral Home of Waynesboro is in charge of arrangements.