Dennis William Tate was born May 3, 1949 in Moro, Arkansas . The firstborn child of William "Bill" Tate and his wife, Geraldine (White), Dennis had a natural gentle and loving spirit. He is numbered among the BHS class of 1968 and well remembered for his contribution as a member of the Tiger football team. Later in life he served as a radio announcer for the Tiger games.Dennis and Betty Joe Strickland became very special sweethearts and with true love in their hearts were married on March 22, 1968. They have remained residents of the Brinkley community throughout life. Through time they were blessed with the births of three little girls. As an infant, Tina Marie went to Heaven to be with Jesus. Later in life Deborah and Lisa were joined by husbands and gave Dennis and Betty Joe the wonderful blessings of grandchildren.Shortly out of high school Dennis became employed for Nash Implement in Wheatley and later worked for Arkla Gas in Brinkley. He farmed for a time and then worked for Mr. Lehman Fowler at Southern Rice. With a wonderful ability to communicate, he became a seed salesman for Erwin Keith, located in Hilleman. He knew all the farmers, their land and how best to serve them. After many years Dennis was given the opportunity to retire from public work.On September 1, 1957 Dennis was baptized and became a member of the Brinkley First Baptist Church . For more than fifty years he has been a faithful member, serving as deacon and Sunday school teacher. In the community he also served as a past president of the Brinkley school board and as a member of the Lion's Club.Dennis enjoyed spending time with family and friends and watching his grandchildren play ball. He also collected John Deere memorabilia and was an avid fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks. For the past several years Dennis has traveled the difficult journey of cancer. With immense support from his loving wife, family and friends, he met the challenge with great courage. At the age of 64, Dennis passed away December 13, 2013 at the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock . May the memories of the precious times shared; linger through the years in the hearts of those he loved so greatly.Family members who mourn Dennis's passing arehis wife of 45 years: Betty Joe Strickland (Brinkley)daughters: Deborah and Ronald Richardson ( Batesville)Lisa and Scott Foster ( Naylor , MO )Mother: Mrs. Geraldine Dover (Brinkley)Brothers: Doug Tate (W Helena) Denver Tate (Brinkley)Grandchildren: Gunnar & Walker Osborne, Alen, Hannah & Katy Richardson all of Batesville, Ashlyn, Natalie & Makenna Foster all of NaylorHe was preceded in death by his father, Bill Tate, daughter, Tina Marie Tate and step-father, Cletis Dover. The family will receive friends 2 PM till 4 PM Sunday at Bob Neal & Sons Chapel in Brinkley. Funeral Services will be 2 PM Monday at Brinkley First Baptist Church with Bro. Fred Dover and Mr. Kenny Alexander officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Active Pallbearers are Bud Horn, Mike Walker, Don Baxter, Donald Clark, Steve Smith, Robert Hudgins, W.C. Strickland and Joe Wilkison. Honorary Pallbearers are Tommy Clary, Marvin Wilson, Dr. Chris Morgan and Larry Taylor.