Dufay Buren Tate, Jr., Pete, to those who knew and loved him, took his last breath here and fittingly stepped into his homecoming celebration in heaven on July 4th, 2017.

Pete was the middle child of five born on October 14, 1946 in Asheville, NC into the fierce-loving, tight-knit family of Dufay Tate, Sr. and Wilma Johnson Tate, both of whom preceded him in death. He remained very close to his sisters, Brenda Tate Bridges (Bob) and Gloria "Cricket" Tate Tweed (Carroll) both preceded him in death and his brothers, Roger Dale Tate (Sue) and Michael Chester Tate (Wanda) who are collectively known as the "Three Amigos." He grew up in the Biltmore/ South Asheville area attending Biltmore School and graduating from TC Roberson High school in 1964. Pete's competitive spirit and natural athleticism served him well as he excelled in sports as a standout player in both baseball and basketball.

His love for adventure and entrepreneurial spirit afforded him many career opportunities. As a jack of all trades, Pete worked at Western Electric, cut lumber, owned and sold women's retail clothing stores, held a real-estate license, and ran mail-order businesses before owning and operating Special Touch Housekeeping for 26 years with the love of his life, Donna Gail Tate of 37 years. Special Touch gave Pete the unique opportunity to love and care for dozens of long term customers who not only appreciated Pete and Donna's work ethic, but also relied on them as friends and helpers.

Pete leaves behind three devoted children, Staci Tate Jackson of Winston-Salem; Tina Tate Parker (Bryan) of Lewisville; and Cody Tate of Asheville. He instilled in them self-reliance, living fully in each moment and enjoying music as the soundtrack of life. Pete set a great example of how sports, learning, and politics add relevance and zest to life. He was the type of man that if treated him good he would treat you better, and if you treated him bad he would treat you worse 😊.

Cody was his later in life child and Pete was thrilled to have the opportunity to coach his youth basketball teams. When Pete began his battle with cancer, almost four years ago, he and those closest to him learned to live life as if every day is the last. Pete relished and cherished time with his family, sitting on his deck and enjoying his Sunday morning programs, and of course, a good Western. Pete was wildly loved by his grandchildren, Taylor Hedglin, Dillon Jackson (Ashley), Katarina Hedglin, Emily Jackson, Brynlee Parker, Tate Parker, Blake Parker, and his great-grandson, Gavin Jackson, as a fun-loving, amusing, whole-hearted Papa/Grandpa. Along with his grands, Pete has many beloved nieces and nephews and their families whom he loved dearly. Staci, Tina, and Cody will forever be grateful to their bonus mom/mom, Donna, for caring for their Dad, at home in his final days as was his desire. This sacrificial gift was a final act of love that exemplified the essence of their marriage.

Pete was a quiet unassuming giver who was passionate about the Wounded Warrior Project and Shriners Hospitals for Children. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to these worthy causes as well as CarePartners Hospice Care of Asheville, whose staff were invaluable and tireless in providing excellent care and support to Pete and his family in their greatest time of need.

Finally, the family would be honored to have you join them in a celebration of Pete's life on July 29, 2017 at 11:00 am with lunch following. Please contact the family at 336-462-0387 for location and directions.

 Service Information