Stuart Douglas Tate, 63, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away from a massive heart attack on Tuesday, January 13. 2026.

Stuart, known affectionately as "Stu", was born June 17, 1962, to his loving parents in Huntsville, AL.  He came into this world achieving goals from the start.  Stuart was the first child born on Father's Day in 1962.  At that time in Huntsville, the first child born on Father's Day the family received your birth weight in beef.  Stuart arrived at a whopping 10 lb. 2oz!

He was a proud native of North Alabama.  Stuart graduated from Hazel Green High School in 1980, before continuing his education and baseball career at Calhoun Community College and Auburn University.  His talent on the pitching mound led to him being drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 8th round of the 1984 MLB draft. He achieved his dream of playing professionally with the Giants on September 20, 1989.

He will be remembered for his passion for baseball, Auburn University, his roots in the Huntsville area, but most importantly his deep love of the Lord Jesus Christ and his dear friends and family at Highlands Church that have been a lifeline for Stuart. Stuart was a faithful servant at Church of the Highlands and will be remembered for his service in the Freedom Groups.

Stuart is survived by his parents, Buddy and Linda Tate; sister, Melinda Marona (Doug); two sons and three daughters: Erin Doty (Trey), Christopher Tate, Carlee Key, Logan Tate (Anna), Caroline Earley (Donnelly); beautiful grandchildren:  Hallie Tate, Mason Key, Trevor Doty, Chandler Key, Cooper Doty, Tucker Doty; loving nieces, Allison Marona (Ship) and AnnaMarie Davenport (Kane) and precious baby Tate.  Stuart is blessed with a large family of wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins who he loved very much.

Service will be Saturday, January 17th, at 1:00 PM at Berryhill Funeral home. Friends will be received for visitation from 11 AM-1 PM at the funeral home.  Pallbearers will be Mark Tillman, Andres Maldonado, Juan Estrada, Brad Cockrell, Jason Bell, Ryan West, Daniel Evans, and Terri Junker. Following the service, burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you choose, you can send donations in memory of Stuart Tate to:

Highlands College

Attn:  Office of Institutional Advancement

3660 Grandview Parkway

Birmingham, AL 35243

Online at – highlandscollege.edu

or

Huntsville Hospital Foundation, with designation to the Heart Center.

699 Gallatin ST SW, Building A

Huntsville, AL 35801

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