Sylvester Tate

Mr. Sylvester Tate was born on August 9, 1925, in Pelzer, South Carolina, to the late Sallie Mae and Tobie Tate, Sr., and called from labor to eternal rest on April 27, 2017.

He was educated in the Greenville County School System. At the age of 18, he was called to serve his country in the United States Navy during World War II. During his service while stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI, he was awarded four medals for bravery and heroism.

Shortly after his return to Greenville, South Carolina, he met and married his lovely bride, Pauline Martin, and to this union six children were born. In 1951, the family moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where they would reside for the next 25 years. It was there that Sylvester mastered the trade of carpentry that he would continue for over 60 years.

In 1976, the family again relocated to Orange, New Jersey until their final return home to Greenville in 2002. Sylvester was a member of the St. Luke Baptist Church in East Orange, NJ. A very enterprising and industrious individual, he was self-employed as the owner and operator of Tate Handyman Services and owned several rental properties. His business card read, “When the job is done and you say it looks good - pay me my money because I did the best I could.” Never losing his driving spirit and refusing to be idle, he continued to do odd jobs until the tender age of 89 - even against the advice of loving family.

In Greenville, he united with his wife’s family church, Pleasant View Baptist Church, but he visited almost every church in Greenville. His favorite part of the service wasthe visitor recognition which allowed him to stand and say, “My name is Sylvester Tate!”

Sylvester was a great storyteller and loved to spend time with his family. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. A music enthusiast, he loved to sing and always wanted to learn to play the piano. He could be counted on for flashing that radiant smile, providing an encouraging word and always had a willingness to help any
one he could.

Sylvester has now been reunited with his daughter, Elaine Cox and grandsons, Terrell Tate and Christopher Cox who preceded him in death.

Left with cherished memories is his devoted wife of 69 years, Pauline; one son, Jackie Louis (Althenia) of Tuscaloosa, AL, four daughters Patricia Miller of Boston, MA, Delores Tate of Greenville, SC, Loretta Purvis of East Orange, NJ and Paulette Tate of Union, NJ; one son in-law, James Cox of Orange, NJ; two sisters, Florence Lewis of Victorville, CA and Earlene (Willie) Thompson of Autryville, NC; eight grandchildren, Stacey (James) raised in the home, Tiffany, Crystal, Jerold, Christen, Christina, Phillip and Chris; 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other family.
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