Obituary of Howard Tate

Our beloved Howard "Sonny" Tate, died unexpectedly in Orlando Regional Medical Center on November 1, 2016 in Orlando, Florida at the age of 75. Howard was born on September 14, 1941 in Elloree, South Carolina to Magnolia Brantley. He graduated from George Washington High School in 1960 and studied one year at York College. He married Brenda, his high school sweetheart in 1961. He was baptized in 1976 at The Greater Bibleway Temple in Brooklyn, NY under Apostle H.L. Rogers. Howard worked for Schaffer Food Service for over 33 years, from order picker, to truck driver, to dispatcher, then to warehouse manager. He was the warehouse manager for 20 years and retired in 1995. He served as a Deacon in Beulah Church in Brooklyn, NY under Bishop W. Jones and advanced as the Head of the Deacon Board. Howard was an accomplished chef and often catered large events. Once he retired, he opened Beulahland Diner at Beulah Church that served the Bedford Stuyvesant community. He was a generous and dedicated individual who loved the Lord and who was passionate about working with youth. He served as a youth basketball coach in Brooklyn for many years. Howard moved to Orlando, FL in 2005 where obtained his Limousine and CDL licenses. He was employed by the Orange County Public School system as a bus driver from 2006-2012. He was an active Deacon and dedicated member of his church, New Life Church of Orlando C.O.G.I.C. under Bishop Derrick W. Hutchins. He loved using his time and talent for cooking and construction to provide repair services to his church and cater events with a good eats and glowing smile. He loved singing and music. He never backed away from the microphone. He was always willing to explore new experiences. What we will miss most is his loving smile and laugh and the way he was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was an amazing man that knew how to add some light to dark places. His wife remembers him as her soul mate and the love of her life. His children remember him as a kind, gentle, and patient father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. Howard is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Tate; children, (son) Howard Kevin Tate and his wife, Sheila Tate, (daughter) Doreen Gissentanna and her husband, Michael Gissentanna, (son) Rodney Tate and his wife, Jasmine Parris-Tate, and (son) Shane Tate; and his (brother) Horace Cannadate of Greer, South Carolina; his grandchildren, Omari (Keria) and Malik Tate; Ashley and Lauren Gissentanna; Justin, Jadin and Jourdin Tate; a niece, nephews, cousins and many loving friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Magnolia Sublett and aunt, Earlene Booker.