elebrating C the life of
CARL TATE OCTOBER 24, 1937 - OCTOBER 28, 2020
Obituary Carl Tate, affectionately known as Bud or Buddy, was born on October 24, 1937 in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. He was the second of four children born to the late Louise Ellen Armistead Dingle and raised by the late Calvin Dingle. He departed this life on October 28, 2020. Carl spent his childhood in Ardmore where he was educated in the Lower Merion School District. He played baseball and football in high school. Afterwards, he joined the United States Army, serving three years. He was a member of Zion Baptist Church growing up and participated in the church choir. He had a wonderful singing voice and he enjoyed singing old-school songs. After returning from the service, he went to work for Lower Merion Township in August 1960. During his time at the township, Carl spent the majority of his career in the Electric Shop where he was responsible for repairing and maintaining the traffic signals and street lights throughout the township. He was ultimately promoted to supervisor of the Electric Shop. In 1995, he was awarded employee of the year and in 2009, he was named Frontline Supervisor of the Year. On April 1, 2011, after over 50 years of service, he retired and is unofficially the longest tenured employee. Carl was well known throughout the township and made many lifelong friends. He was a hardworking man and was always hustling. His colleagues always told him that he was “One Hustler”, which prompted him to get his vanity license plate, “1Hustler”. Carl was very good with his hands and was known to be able to fix almost anything. He was particularly knowledgeable about electric, refrigeration and air conditioning. He improved his expertise in these areas by taking training courses in electric and graduating from the trade school Philadelphia Wireless Technical Institute for air conditioning and refrigeration. Carl had a son, Carl A, and a daughter, Dana, who were born in 1965 and 1968 respectively. After a divorce, he was awarded full custody of his children and he raised them as a single father with the support of his family. His children were always
his first priority and his strong work ethic allowed him to give them an amazing life full of countless beautiful memories. He was very active in their education and extracurricular activities. Although strict, he showed unconditional love and support, and would do anything for his children, family and friends. He was the pillar of strength, especially during their times of need. He was well respected and adored by his children, and he left an indelible mark on their lives. He enjoyed making memories with his family going to amusement parks and traveling on many vacations. While hesitant at first to go on a cruise, they became a favorite vacation destination. Carl liked to drive and went on numerous road trips over the years, including Florida, Colorado, Niagara Falls, New Orleans and Nova Scotia. As an avid sports fan, he followed his favorite teams, the L.A. Dodgers, Cleveland Browns and the Boston Celtics. He also enjoyed going to plays, concerts and the movies. Carl leaves the following to celebrate his life and cherish his memory: his son, Carl Anthony Tate (Deirdre Tate), his daughter, Dana Colleen Gray (the late Anthony Lewis Gray), his grandchildren Sydney Elle Gray, Caden Anthony Tate, Peyton Crislyn Tate, the late Carl Anthony Tate Jr. and the late Christian James Tate. Carl is also survived by sisters Louise Butler and Donna Dingle and brother Stan Dingle. He was loved and admired by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many lifelong friends.
Lovingly submitted, The Family
MEMORIAL SERVICES Friday, November 6, 2020 Service: 11:00 a.m. DeBAPTISTE FUNERAL HOMES, INC. Worthington and Miner Sts. West Chester, PA 19382
Order of Service OPENING SENTENCES..............Rev. Carlton Hatcher INVOCATION OPENING HYMN..............................Blessed Assurance SCRIPTURE READINGS: Old Testament - Psalm 23.............Lauren Butler New Testament - John 14 : 1-6.....Donna Dingle PRAYER OF COMFORT..............Rev. Carlton Hatcher SOLO....................................................Carolyn Hatcher ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND RESOLUTIONS REFLECTIONS –– (two minutes please) Video Presentation...............Sydney Elle Gray OBITUARY................................................Kurt L Butler SOLO....................................................Carolyn Hatcher EULOGY......................................................Carl A Tate BENEDICTION
Dedications Grandpop, I was blessed to have you as my grandfather. You taught me so much over the past 22 years. Because of you, I know the value of family. I have seen the benefits of hustling, and I have learned the importance of being independent. The more I grow, the more I understand and value all the lessons you preached to me as we sat across the table from one another at various restaurants. Trust me, I value your knowledge and will always heed to your advice. My favorite memories start when I was young. I have a faint, yet distinct, recollection of peacefully sleeping on the family room couch with my head on your lap. As I got older, you attended many of my sporting events and it was said that you attended more games than some of my teammates’ parents. For as long as I can remember, we have been doing ‘dinner and a movie’, that was our staple outing. You taught me how to drive and I appreciate every hour you spent with me, even bringing props to help with parking. This led to us sharing our mutual respect for just enjoying the ride as we would drive to nowhere on several occasions. Most recently, we shared in the excitement of my college graduation. You will forever be missed. You left an inimitable stamp on this world and in the hearts of many. You were a genuine person who would go above for strangers and beyond for loved ones. You have done so much for me and we share more memories than I can count. Above all, I love and appreciate how you told everyone, and I mean everyone, that I was your “baby”. I could see the genuine pride and love on your face, it’s a look I will never forget. I truly hope I lived up to that title. I know you were proud to have me as a granddaughter, but I assure you that, I am the lucky one who got to call you Grandpop. I love you. Love, Sydney
Dear Dad Bruce B. Wilmer I seldom take the time to tell you all the things I feel. I want to tell you that my love for you is very real. I’ll long appreciate your many kind and thoughtful deeds. You’ve always been so sensitive responding to my needs. I feel that you are special; let me thank you from my heart For all your treasured wisdom and the warmth that you impart. I always will respect you for the ways in which you care. It’s reassuring knowing that your love is always there. Love, Carl and Dana
Generous Respected Appreciated Nuturing Dedicated Patient One of a kind Proud Love, Sydney, Caden and Peyton
Father-in-Law I came into your family not knowing what I’d find I was nervous and afraid you gently eased my mind. You made me feel right at home from the first day that we met. You welcomed me with opened arms, and that I won’t forget. You always have encouraged me with kind words that you say. I know I can depend on you on any given day. You’re a great father-in-law. You stand out above the rest. I thank God for blessing me with you - the very best.
Acknowledgements The family wishes to express our sincere heartfelt appreciation for the profound outpouring of love, support, and concern during our time of bereavement. We pray that God will bless you for every act of kindness you have shown. We further want to express our gratitude to all those who have shared their special memories and feelings about our father. We truly appreciate the love and friendship you have given him over the years.
(In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the March of Dimes to help minimize premature births and give premature babies a fighting chance at life. Thank you for your kindness, love and support.) https://www.marchforbabies.org//team/CarlATate
DeBAPTISTE FUNERAL HOMES, INC. Worthington and Miner Sts. West Chester, PA 19382 610-696-4812 Lillian DeBaptiste, F.D., Supvr.
60-62 Prospect Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610-525-4336 Clifford DeBaptiste, F.D., Supvr