Billy Joe Tate's Obituary
Billy Joe Tate, 89, passed away on March 9, 2016. Billy was born on December 23, 1926 in Fox, Oklahoma to the late Clarence L. and Eva (Elmore) Tate. Billy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle to his family. He was a veteran of World War II and was proud of his service to his country. Billy began working in the oil industry with Skelly Oil Company in 1952. He was an Assistant Administrator in the gas plants division when he retired in 1989.Billy Joe was an avid sports fan, mostly focused on his beloved Oklahoma Sooners, but loved to bowl, golf and play tennis. He was a great gardener learning his tricks of the trade from his mother. He had a beautiful voice and was blessed to be part of a musical family. He will be so deeply missed by his family and friends who loved his keen sense of humor but more importantly his kindness and loving ways.In addition to his parents, Billy Joe was preceded in death by his sisters, Opal Wilson and Betty Cannon. Billy is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen and his two children, Kevin Tate and Karen Javine; his son-in-law Dean Javine and daughter-in-law Marquita Tate; his 5 grandchildren who where the love of his life, Courtney and Kyle Javine and Tony, Matt and Summer Tate; his two sisters Carolyn Briscoe of Ardmore, OK and Cletus Nesbitt of Graham, TX.A memorial service to celebrate his life and his passage to his eternal home will be held at 12:30 on Saturday, March 19th at the Floral Haven Funeral Home.
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