Charles "Buddy" Tate, born on December 14, 1934, of Meridianville, at the age of 91, went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 13, 2026, at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Buddy was a devoted husband to Linda of 68 years. He loved to tell the story of how they met to anyone that would listen, even if they had heard it many times before. He worked for Bell South at the time and Linda was having a telephone installed for her 16th birthday. According to who you heard the story from, either Buddy or Linda, which one of them was guilty of flirting first? He had her number, he installed the phone, and the rest is history.

Buddy, was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior. He was a life-long member of Flint River Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Meridianville, where he was the founder of starting and building the new First Baptist Church of Meridianville, with only 5-7 members. Buddy acted as both a spiritual shepherd and visionary leader for First Baptist Meridianville. He has had many roles at both churches; Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Training Union Teacher, and served on numerous boards and committees. He accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 17 and was baptized in the Flint River, along with both of his parents and several siblings.

Born and raised with seven siblings, his family were sharecroppers, and he loved to tell how they picked cotton and worked in the fields. Buddy attended Riverton and Hazel Green High School graduating in 1952. He attended Auburn University for two years before he was drafted into the United States Army and served two years in Germany. During high school, Buddy was an outstanding player in both baseball and basketball. He went on to coach basketball and baseball and loved playing softball with the church league. When he returned from Germany, he worked 40 years with Bell South where he was a Pole Climber, Switchboard Operator and later in the Marketing Department when he retired. After retirement, he became a small cattle farmer, which he loved most.

Buddy was loved throughout Madison County and was always ready to listen, advise and guide others with a generous spirit. He was a mentor to many and best described by one sentiment often shared "Buddy pushed me to want to become a better person." He shared wisdom through the lessons he quietly taught and his deep belief that faith and prayer could help carry him through life's ups and downs. He will be remembered fondly as a man who could do it all, loved fully and left life just a little brighter for everyone he knew.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Charles Gregory Tate and Stuart Douglas Tate: his parents, Columbus Tate and Claudia Mefford Tate and by his siblings: Louise Tate Cooper, Rubye Tate Fowler, Emma Sue Tate Hirst, Claudia Ann Tate Garton.

He leaves behind a family and community that loved him including his wife, Linda Higgins Tate; daughter Melinda Tate Marona(Doug); His grandchildren: Erin Tate Doty (Trey), Allison Marona (Ship), Christopher Tate, Carlee Key, AnnaMarie Davenport (Kane), Logan Tate (Anna), Caroline Earley (Donnelly); Great-grandchildren: Hallie Tate, Mason Key, Trevor Doty, Chandler Key, Cooper Doty, William "Tate" Davenport, Tucker Doty. He is also survived by his siblings, Jean Tate McGill, Loraine Tate Alvis, and Doug Tate along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17th at First Baptist Meridianville from 11am – 2pm with the service at 2pm. - 175 Monroe Road; Meridianville, AL 35759. Burial following at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you choose, you can send donations in memory of Buddy Tate to: Huntsville Hospital Foundation, with designation to Hospice Family Care (699 Gallatin ST SW, Building A, Huntsville, AL 35801)

Online at -
https://www.huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org/ways-to-give/memorial-tribute-gifts

Berryhill Funeral Home assisted the family.