of Conway, AR

April 29, 1939 - March 7, 2024

Fred Lynn Tate, 84, of Conway, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday afternoon March 7, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on April 29, 1939 in Danville, Arkansas to Charles Henry and Ina Powers Tate. After Fred graduated from Booneville High School in 1958, he went on to receive his Bachelor's Degree from Arkansas Tech and his Master's Degree from State Teachers College of Arkansas (now UCA). He coached football and taught high school for 9 years prior to starting his very successful
50-year insurance career with MFA, now Shelter Insurance.

After 35 years of service, Fred retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Army Reserve. He received many awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Fred joined the Lodge at age 21 and a major accomplishment in his life was receiving his 50-year pin from the Masonic Lodge in 2010. He also held memberships in
Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, Shriners and Heroes.

Fred was constantly looking for ways to assist others and loved spending time at the family cabin. Fred loved planning and attending family gatherings as well as class reunions. He was a collector of vintage cars and driving his bride around town in his 1937 Dodge Brothers was always a treat. If the radio was on, it was playing the song ''Seven Little Girls Sitting in the Back Seat with Fred'' by Bob
Hillard or any song by the Statler Brothers. Fred's favorite quote and motto included these ten little words, ''If it is to be, it is up to me.''
He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Rex and Jay Tate. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Valera Jan Sammann Tate of Conway; sister, Betty Parish of Springdale; daughter, Carla Jan Tate Norris (Jay) of Virginia; son, John Tate (Mary) of Conway; grandson, Wesley Norris (Kaylan) of Washington, DC; granddaughter, Shelbra Tate Norris Rivera (Efrain) of Texas; grandson, Austin Tate (MacKenzie) of Conway; grandson, Michael Tate (fiancé, Hollis Redden) of Conway; three precious great-grandchildren, Maya and Río Rivera and Blakely Tate and a host of other family members and friends.

Pallbearers include his family, John Tate, Jay Norris, Wesley Norris, Austin Tate, Michael Tate and Randy Blythe.
Honorary pallbearers are his longtime friends, Jim Gilliam, Jim Fulmer, Irl Green, Wayne Lawson, Pete Ross, Tommie White and other friends made through the military and coaching.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas and funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Conway on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 10:00 am with Pastor Nathan Kilborne officiating. Burial will follow at Crest lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children at donorrelations@shrinenet.org or the First United Methodist Church Food Pantry at First United Methodist Church, 1610 Prince Street, Conway, AR 72034. Arrangements
are by Roller-McNutt of Conway.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com