Wednesday, December 29, 2021 1:14 pm

Phillip B. "Phil" Tate, age 72 of Forest City died December 18, 2021.

Phil was born on July 13, 1949, in Rutherford County and was a son of the late D. B. Tate, Jr. and Rosemary Mahaffey Tate Bailey. He was a graduate of Chase High School and a member of Wilson Baptist Church. He was also a US Army veteran serving as a tank commander in the Vietnam War.

Phil worked for McCurry-Deck Motors for 27 years where he retired as Service Manager.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Todd Tate, a grandchild, Caleb Trace Pearson, and brother, Steve Tate.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Gay Funderburke Tate, his daughter, Cori Tate Pearson of Chesnee, SC, his sons, Tommy Tate and wife Angie of Henrietta, Billy Bostic and wife Leslie of Bostic, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held December 22, 2021, at The Padgett and King Chapel with Rev. Pete Bridges officiating.