2023 01/24 – Rodney C. Tate

Rodney C. Tate passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia surrounded by his family.

Rodney was born on October 14, 1935, in Centralia to Ivan and Dora (DeSelms) Tate, who both preceded him in death. He married Marilyn (Sessions) Tate on January 14, 1957.

Rodney is survived by his wife Marilyn; 4 sons Rick and Kelly Tate of Walnut Hill, Randy and Caroline Tate of Ferrin, Russell and Melissa Tate of Centralia, and Jason and Heather Tate of Centralia; siblings Lane Ottis Tate and Nancy, Perry Lee Tate, Linda Standley, Betty Tate, Jerry, and Judy Tate, Tom and Louise Tate, Lewis Tate; sister-in-law Barb Tate; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Denva Lee Tate, brothers Lawrence Steven Tate and Lester Tate, and sister-in-laws Rosemary Tate, Bonnie Tate, and Mary Tate.

Rodney worked as a hod carrier for many years. He worked hard and was a proud member of the Laborers Union, Local 19. Rodney was a member of the GWTA Goldwing Motorcycle Club. Rodney and Marilyn enjoyed many years of camping with family and friends. They spent many winter months in southern Texas and would go to Mexico to help build an orphanage. In his earlier years, Rodney spent many weekends racing stock cars at the local racetracks. He and his wife, Marilyn, just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. He was a kind soul and helped anyone he could. He was a loving father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by those that knew him.

A visitation for Rodney will be Tuesday, January 24, 2023, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with a service at 11:00 am at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and can be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 N. Sycamore Street, Centralia, IL 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Tate family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook page.