TED PHILMAN TATE

Ted Philman Tate, 80, of East Stone Gap, passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Holston Manor in Kingsport, TN. 

Ted was born in East Stone Gap, the son of the late Kyle Wentz Tate Sr. and Pauline Dixon Tate. He graduated from East Stone Gap High School. After graduation he met the love of his life, “Milly”, in Washington D.C. He later served our country honorably as a U.S. Army Aviator qualified in both UH-1 (Huey) and Huey Cobra gun ships. He was twice awarded the “Distinguished Flying Cross” for heroism supporting ground forces and serving two combat tours in the Republic of Vietnam. Ted rose to the rank of Captain and served our country a total of 8 years. After completing his military service, he began his lifelong career initially as a coal truck driver, ultimately acquiring his own equipment and operating many years as a long haul “Owner Operator” for multiple clients country wide. 

In addition to his parents, Ted was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Lee Tate Cantrell. 

He is survived by his wife, Milly Weyrick Tate; his daughters: Ruth Ann Tate and Melissa Tate Ferris and husband, Dave, and son-in-law, John Cantrell; grandchildren: Mikaela Hooper, Madison Rowe, Colton Cantrell, Trevor Cantrell, Lexi Cantrell, Rachel Ferris and Judson Ferris; siblings: Shirley Tate Luckett, Wentz Tate Jr., Billie Ruth Tate Fecher and husband, Conrad Christopher, Judy Tate Riggs, Duane Tate Akridge and husband, Buz, Michael Tate and wife, Toria, nephews, and other close relatives. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 25, at Holding Funeral Home chapel from 1-2 p.m. Following the visitation, the funeral service will be conducted in the chapel with Pastor Brad Stapleton officiating. The committal service will be held in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. The Active-Duty Army Military detail will conduct the Military Rites. 

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. 

An online register is available for the Tate family at  www.holdingfuneralhome.com 

Holding Funeral Home is honored to serve the Tate family.