Obituary: James Roger Tate ‘Papa Tate’

James Roger Tate, or “Papa Tate,” of Oliver Springs, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013.

He was a band member and graduate of Central High School. Roger attended the University of Tennessee, graduating with degrees in both business management and music education. He played clarinet and performed with the Pride of the Southland marching band.

After college, he served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the Seabees as well as a musician in the Navy Band.

Roger was a well-renowned music educator, establishing the Norwood Junior High School Jaguar Band in 1968, where he served as band director until 1987. Mr. Tate believed that children should learn to be driven and competitive at an early age. Teaching his students the value of hard work and a military style discipline, he entered his bands into high school-level competitions, where they won first place in street show competitions for nearly two decades.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents Earnest Milton and Harriet James Tate, and brother, Ernest Norman Tate.

He is survived by his sister, Laverne Tate Carter, of Knoxville, several cousins, and hundreds of grateful former students.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, between 5 and 7 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs with a funeral service to follow. Family and friends will then gather on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. at Lynnhurst Cemetery in Knoxville for the graveside service and burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at alzfdn.org.

Sharp Funeral Home of Oliver Springs is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences made be offered at www.sharpfh.com.