James L. Tate age 85 formerly of Huntsville passed away May 27, 2019. He will be forever missed by his loving family.

He is survived by his family: Patricia Berkenbile (Chuck) Hunter, Oklahoma, Brenda Hill (Greg), Athens, Al, Nancy Tate (Tim Cook) Huntsville, Al, James Michael Tate (Angie), Athens, Al, Sondra Thornton (Mark), Rogersville, Al., Barry Grisham stepson (Bonita), Rogersville, Al, nephew of his late wife Chester (Thersia) Walker, of Rogersville, Al. and brother Larry Kolley, Summerville, Al., eighteen grandchildren - Chris Devoe, Holly Fitzgerald, Chianti Whaley, Daniel Sylvester, Matthew Tate, Tatha Slater, Whitney Kelly, Jonathan Baker, Brooke Forsythe, Spencer Tate, Jeremy Grisham, Jayda Grisham, Taylor Childers, Collin Childers, Aaron Hill, Allison Fautheree, Kenneth Z. Whaley, and Hannah Bequis, seventeen great- grandchildren - K.C , Kelsey, Travis, Stephanie, Tucker, Isabella, Hayden, Chance, Eli, Amilia, Elliott, Sawyer, Maziee, Carter, Oakley, Titus, Tatum, Brody, and Hannah, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Retired from Madison county commission 2003 with 36 years of service. An avid fan of Alabama Football and Alabama Girls Fast Pitch Softball. He was a farmer majority of his life and was still working the farm up until May 12th. He was known for his firm handshake. He loved his church family; his favorite reward was to pass out Tootsie Roll Lollipops to children every Sunday at church.

Member of Corums Chapel Baptist Church Rogersville, Al. Charter member 1962 Grace Church Nazarene (University Church of the Nazarene) where he served many years.

Preceded in death by his parents Herman and Rosie Tate, wife Freeda F. Grisham, Brothers: Edward L. Tate, Searcy, Arkansas and Henry Robert Tate, Fayetteville, Tn., granddaughter Kelly DeVoe and stepdaughter Kellie Grisham Childers, Rogersville, Al.

Visitation is Wednesday, May 29, 2019, 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home. Funeral service is Thursday, May 30, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Mike Poff and Rev. James Spruill. Burial will be in Charity Cemetery.