Thomas Tate

Thomas A. Tate – passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025. Born on February 14, 1947, in Pulaski, TN. he is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Geneva Tate and his brother, John (Faye) Tate.

Tom attended MTSU prior to entering the Army to serve in the Vietnam war. After his term in the Army, he returned to MTSU to receive his degree in aviation. Subsequently, he became a pilot and enjoyed a career in corporate aviation spanning over 40 years. In 1981, Tom happened to be transporting organs for transplant patients to Nashville, when he met a sweet & cute lady at the Nashville Kidney Foundation, named Lou, where she was the Director. Two years later, they married and enjoyed a loving and fun-filled marriage of 42 years.

Tom also enjoyed music, especially playing guitar, HAM radio operation, and cooking. He was the lead guitarist for “The Transplant Band” for a number of years. He was a very active member of Bellevue Presbyterian Church, where he could often be found cooking “Tomlettes” in the church kitchen, playing guitar in the worship band or behind the sanctuary sound board.

In addition to his loving wife Lou, he is survived by sister-in-law, Faye Tate and nieces and nephew, Lisa Walden (Jim), Lynne Hartsell (Larry) and Jason Tate (Aynsley). Also surviving, Lou’s three children, Jim Jackson (Melanie), Elizabeth Foutch (David) and Steve Jackson (Lynley), whom he loved like his own. He was a loving grandfather to Lanie Hoehn (Brandon), Hunter Jackson (Eloise), Haley Smith (Bryan), Coleman Jackson (Katelyn), and Benjamin, Graham, Joseph & May Lee Jackson. Last but not least, his 7 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 15th at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, with visitation starting at 10:00 and the service to follow at 11:00. A private burial will follow at Harpeth Hills Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4825 Trousdale Drive, Suite 220, Nashville, TN 37220 or Bellevue Presbyterian Church, 100 Cross Timbers Drive, Nashville, TN 37221.