William Tate, Sr.

William Walter Willie Tate, Sr. of Amarillo passed away in his home on Thursday, February 18, 2010 after a long battle with melanoma. He was 59 years old and a Baptist.

Willie was born May 21, 1950 in Kermit, Texas to Elijah Elbert and Mintie Belle Tate. He moved to Borger when he was 5 with his family. He attended school in Stinnett. In the 2nd grade, he discovered music and began learning to play several instruments. He later went on to compose and perform his own music. He was a member of many bands, playing rock and country music, with several musicians that became lifelong friends.

Willie traveled throughout the United States following his dream of entertaining. While living in Pocatello, ID for several years he attended college and it was there that his son, Billy, was born. He played the music he loved with a band with the name of Storm Crow.

Willie returned to his home town of Borger in 1988 where he played in clubs for benefits and any other opportunity that arose. His most recent band was Legends. The recorded several CDs that consisted of mainly original songs written, composed and played by the band members. Willie was an incredible bass guitarist, keyboardist and vocalist. Playing the keyboard was his favorite instrument of all.

Willie was many things to many people, including a husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, musician, composer and much beloved friend. He will be remembered fondly and greatly missed by all.

He is survived by Sabrina of the home, son William Walter Billy Tate, Jr. of Portland, OR, three stepchildren, Jessica, Sabrina and Joseph all of Amarillo, three brothers, Jimmy Tate and wife Delwanda, Elijah Tate and wife Janie, all of Borger and Bobby Sargent and wife Winnie of Stinnett, one sister Kay Tate Adams and husband Bill of Borger, countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by both parents, Elijah Elbert Pete Tate and Mintie Belle Tate Gibson, three brothers, Elbert Tate, Jimmy Ray Sargent and Jerry Don Tate, two nieces, Cindy Sargent and Sherri Sargent.

The family would like to extend a special mention to Evyone Pope and Doyce Pope, Jr. of Amarillo whom Willie loved like family. The family extends a very special thank you to all of the musicians tht he played with over the years. They were all very special to him.

Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the First Assembly of God, 500 McKenzie in Stinnett with Rev. Dennis Richardson, pastor officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of MintonChatwell Funeral Director sof Borger.

Honorary bearers will be F. M. Parker, Ken Lewing, Norman McDonald and Randy Farmer.

Family and friends are invited to come to the Borger Activity Youth Center in Borger for visitation after the service.

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