TThomas Joe Tate was born May 29, 1956, to the late Annie Wade Tate and the late Frank Smith, in Pacolet, SC. He graduated from Pacolet High School and was an employee of Regenesis Healthcare.

Thomas was an outgoing person and a jokester who never met a stranger.  His favorite pastime was watching TV shows, like Martin, westerns, NASCAR Racing, and all sports. His favorite NFL team was the Carolina Panthers and his favorite color was white.

He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren. He also had a special bond with his only sibling.

Those left to cherish his memory are: sons, Rossi (Jeniaka) Hames of Jonesville, SC and Thomas Rashard Tate of Spartanburg, SC; sister, Fredia (Leonard) Black of Spartanburg, SC; grandchildren, Makaily Covington, Ayden Tate, Evan Hames and Grai Tate; nephews, Andre Black and Leonard L. Black, Jr; caregiver, Deloris Gentry; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Thomas transitioned on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. He will be sorely missed by those who loved and knew him.