Frederick Monroe Tate

PFrederick "Fred" Monroe Tate, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. He lived a life defined by upstanding moral character and an abiding commitment to service.

Fred was born on May 6, 1938, in Forest City, NC, to the late Chivous and Leona Tate. He attended Cool Springs High School before going on to Wake Forest University, where he participated in the Army ROTC.

Upon graduation, Fred married the love of his life, Dora, and accepted a commission into the United States Army as a lieutenant in the 8th Infantry Division. The young couple moved to Fort Benning, GA, where they welcomed their daughter, Lynn. After several years in Georgia, the family followed the Army to Germany.

Returning stateside, Fred and Dora settled in Kinston, NC, where Fred began a distinguished career with Wachovia Bank. His work took the family through Morehead City and New Bern, where their son Bryan was born.

In 1977, Fred took on the role of Treasurer for the North Carolina Corngrowers Association, a position he would hold with characteristic steadiness until his death. In 1983, he put down roots in Elizabethtown, NC, the place he would call home for the remainder of his life. Fred quickly became a large part of the community, most notably serving as Chairman of the Elizabethtown Airport Economic Development Commission, a member of the Bladen Community College Foundation Board of Directors, and in several capacities at St. Christopher’s Church.

The later years of Fred's life were defined by the family and friends who surrounded him. His influence was not measured in titles or accolades, but in the lives he shaped. He will be remembered for his integrity, his generosity of spirit, and his unwavering devotion to all he held dear.

Fred was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dora Tate; his son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Tracy Tate; his grandchildren, Lauren Nogle, Tate Taylor, Jay Taylor, Shuford "Ford" Tate, Trevor Tate, and Kimball Tate; four great-grandchildren; his exceptional friend, Lyndia Avant; and his faithful dog, Jack.

A Visitation with Family & Friends will be held on July 16th, 2026 from 6pm to 8pm at Bladen-Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A service in Celebration of Fred’s Life will be held at 11 o’clock in the morning on July 17th, 2026 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Elizabethtown, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, PO Box 1841 Elizabethtown, North Carolina 28337.