George Tate, Iii

Deacon George “Charlie” D. Tate III

George D. Tate III, 56, transitioned on to eternal life on Sunday, October 17, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born in Erie, PA on March 25, 1965 to his mother and father, Barbara Ann DeBoe Tate and Rev. George Tate, Jr.   One of the reasons he was nicknamed “Charlie” by his family at a young age because of his love of watching Charlie Chan.  He also was an avid fan of Charlie Brown and the whole Peanuts gang.  He was a hardcore Cowboys fan, Phoenix Suns fan, and White Sox fan and represented his teams regularly.  

Charlie graduated from Academy High School in 1983. He attended Tri-State Institute where he became certified in computers and electronics.  He worked at Hammermill for some time, but when they shut down, he took up employment with the City of Erie School District as a Teacher’s Assistant.  He worked with emotional support and autistic students at Irving Elementary and then Perry Elementary where he became the general go-to for any student having problems.  He loved working with students and helping them in any way he could.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at an early age at Community Baptist Church.  Later in life, he joined Good Hope Baptist Church in Dunkirk, NY when his father became pastor there.  In 2013, he became a faithful member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where he served fervently as a driver on the Van Ministry, Security Ministry, and ultimately was ordained as a deacon on November 18, 2018.  He attended prayer and bible study regularly, and he, along with his wife, would administer Holy Communion to those who were not able to attend church.  He was a faithful man of God, a firm believer in the power of prayer, and unashamed about sharing his testimony with anyone who would listen.

Charlie was a Jack of many trades and was the ultimate social butterfly.  He was passionate about music and took to DJing house parties as a young man, and weddings, showers, special events and other venues as an adult.  He was a member of many local social clubs, including the Gem City Elks Lodge, St. Mary’s, Sacred Heart Usher’s Club, American Legion Post 11 and 773, Knights of St. John, Siebenbuerger Club, Sunflower Club, Saga Club, and others.  He loved bowling, darts, pool, and winning. He had an infectious laugh and lovable personality that could win over anyone. 

More than anything, he loved spending time with his family. Other than God, they meant everything to him, and he doted on them every chance he could get.  It was important to him that his family find God for themselves and always stick together.  He was a very special soul that touched so many different people throughout his life and will forever be missed by all of us left behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Laura Tate, maternal grandparents, Lewis and Virgie DeBoe, paternal grandparents, George Tate, Sr. and Aldonia Tate, sisters, Mollie Tate, Barnetta DeBoe, and Laura Rochelle Bradley, and many other aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Terrika (Hunter Jones) Tate. His children: Eddie McMillian (Crysann), OK; Shaneetra Bailey; Shannon Sansom, KY; Sean Tate (Mauri); Shiara Pettis (Jerome); and Titania Bailey.  Siblings: Roslyn Tate; James Tate; Bryce Tate (Vette); Peter Tate (Marcus); Tammy Tate (Carlos); Sonnet McClellan (Bobby); Delvon Tate (Khaliah); Lytonia Battles, of VA; and Deundra Dupree. Grandchildren: Isaiah, Lavonte, LaRae, Aron, Leah, Tayler, Asia, Egypt, Persia, Isaiah, Josiah, Jalin, Hazelyn, and Quin.  Godchildren: DaMarcus Smith, DaMarius Smith, Danesha Carson, and Alexi Herring.  Also, his friends and family, Brent Barnett, KY, Anita Ward, TX, William Bailey, Jr., Marlon Knight, and Rev. Duane Hunter, and many, many, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and Antioch Church family.

A special thank you to the Saint Vincent Cancer Center, his oncologist, Dr. Tayshetye, radiologist, Dr. Stahalek, and his PCP, Dr. Costanzo, the St. Vincent ICU, especially Sam, and VNA Hospice for helping him fight the good fight for so many years. May God bless all of you for the work that you do.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 23^rd, 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at noon at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 160 W. 20^th St., Pastor Floyd R. McClure, eulogizing, and Pastor Duane F. Hunter, officiating.  Arrangements by Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 West 10^th St.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.