Bruce Edward Tate

Bruce Edward Tate arrived in Norphlet, Arkansas, on April 21, 1946, with a
full heart and a spark in his eye, ready to breathe life into the world around
him. Born to Horace and Naomi Tate, he came into the world with an
insatiable curiosity and a love for stories—stories that would come to define
him and bind his family together. Bruce saw magic in the mundane and
found a way to make every moment memorable. From tales of Charlie the
Rat to Frankie the Fly, his stories entertained his children, passing down a
love for imagination that now lives on in their own talented voices.
When Bruce wasn’t conjuring worlds of his own, he was teaching his
children the practical art of life. Whether it was showing them how to hang
shingles “the right way” or mastering the delicate art of making hot water
cornbread—because his recipe "was the best"—Bruce made sure his legacy
included love, laughter, and know-how. His children—Russell Pierce
(Sharon), ReShonda Tate Caradine (Jeffrey), Tanisha Tate, and Courtney
Tate—along with his godchildren, Mariesha Smith (Hezekiah), Cordell
Piggee (Tiara), Manuel Lopez, and Keisha Lopez, all feel the daily ache of his
absence, even as they carry forward his wisdom and humor.
In 1981, Bruce met the quiet, lovely Helen Jefferson. With a charm that
could melt the most steadfast heart, he convinced Helen to take a chance
on him, beginning a 43-year love story that held through all of life’s ups and
downs. Together, they created a home filled with faith, warmth, laughter and resilience.

As the middle of seven siblings, Bruce, the family jokester, held his brothers
and sisters together like glue. His humor, comforting nature, and knack for
bringing out the best in everyone kept family gatherings vibrant and joyful.
Though his younger brother, Calvin, preceded him in death, Bruce’s
siblings—Donald Ray (Shirley), Larry Tate (Linda), Peggy Ann Graves,
Marilyn Scurlock (Charles), and Wanda "Neicy" Tate—will hold his wit and
laughter as part of their cherished memories. A loving grandfather,
“PawPaw” will be missed by his grandchildren, Mya Billingsley, Morgan
Billingsley, Myles Billingsley, Justin Lofton, Maddox Tate, Mason Tate,
Russell Pierce Jr., Ericka Pierce, and Shakura Pierce,  as well as seven greatgrandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

A carpenter and entrepreneur, Bruce never met a throwaway lawn mower
or an abandoned couch he didn't like. He was the kind of man who saw
beauty in cast-offs, finding use and purpose in what others left behind (and
driving his wife crazy in the process). Even at 78, Bruce was a man in

motion, never heeding the pleas of his family to sit back and take a well-
earned rest. He’d always say, “I’ll rest when I’m gone.”

And so, our beloved Bruce, it’s finally time to rest. Rest well, with stories still
echoing in the hearts of those you leave behind and a legacy woven from a
life lived fully, boldly, and unapologetically. We’ll carry on the tales, the laughter, and the love.

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