Willie Benjamin Tate was the second of seventeen children born November 25, 1936 in Sunny Hill, Louisiana from the matrimonial union of Otis Tate, Sr. and Jessie Mae Francis Tate. He accepted Christ at an early age, joined the church choir and was baptized under the leadership of the late Reverend William Vernon at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Sunny Hill, Louisiana (currently known as Mount Hermon). As a young adult, he became a member of Rock Zion Baptist Church and later joined St. Jude Apostle Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, LA. Willie faithfully attended Family Worship Center as well.

Willie met the love of his life, Mary Shepherd Tate, in Baton Rouge, LA and was united in holy matrimony on February 26, 1961 at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Centreville, Mississippi. To this union, three children were born. When Willie moved to Baton Rouge, he obtained a meat cutting position at Calandro's Supermarket on Government Street. While employed there, he perfected his meat cutting craft. He believed that even with his eyes closed, he could run circles around any person who thought they could cut attractive, beautiful ribeye steaks or grind up pretty ground meat. As he would travel through meat markets, he would often critique the meat display to see if it met customers' standards. This skill was shared with Scallan's Meat Market, A & P and Superfresh for 20+ years. Upon his retirement, he developed the art of landscaping which he began with his brother, Otis Tate, Jr. He became so precise in his working abilities that he ventured on his own with Artistic Lawn Services with the slogan "Our work speaks for itself." Being with family and friends brought him great joy. During our family gatherings, we often reminisced about the past, thanked God for blessing us with the present, and prayed about the future. Willie delighted in this time and demonstrated his love through delicious foods such as smoked ribs, barbeque chicken and grilled steaks. Let's not leave out his sweet tooth. He could bake a mean, mouthwatering Sweet Potato Pie and an extremely rich Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Willie often bragged about his cooking. He would often state, "Not to toot my own horn, but I did pretty good for an old man!"

He enjoyed ALL sports. Every time an athlete made a great play he demonstrated his satisfaction with bobbing and weaving his upper body, throwing his fists, stomping both feet and grunting. He often came off the couch when he felt like the play was just too much. Willie was a true depiction of a tower of strength even when faced with adversity and life challenges. His unyielding faith, determination to serve the Lord and dedication to his family characterized his very being. Willie was God fearing, loving, hardworking, and honest. On Thursday, January 11, 2018, at approximately 1:45 pm, God in His infinite wisdom called Willie Benjamin Tate from labor to rest.

Willie leaves to cherish his loving memories; his two sons, Kevin G. and Kerry W. Tate; one daughter, Charisse Michelle Harris (Jospeh "JC") of Baton Rouge, LA; seven grandchildren, Brandon of Luke Air Force Base, AZ, Brittany of Houston, TX, Crystal of New Iberia, LA, Christopher and Christian of Jeanerette, LA , Philip of Nellis Air Force Base, NV and Jalen of Baton Rouge, LA; two brothers, Charles Tate of Baton Rouge, George Tate of Los Angeles, California; three sisters, Elnora Perry of Kentwood, Louisiana, Selena Brumfield (Clinton) of Mount Hermon, Louisiana and Annie Ruth (David) of Kentwood, Louisiana. Two godchildren, Diarra Turner of Dallas, TX and Alicia Shepherd of Houston, TX; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Willie will be greeted in glory with those who preceded him in death; the love of his life, Mary Shepherd Tate, his mother, Jessie Mae Francis Tate; father Otis Tate, Sr.; two sisters, Bertha Lee McKay-Allen and Delores Conerly; seven brothers, Odell Tate, Johnny Tate, Donald Tate, Roy Tate, Otis Tate Jr., Winston Tate, James Tate and one half-brother, Willie Earl Brumfield.