The descendants of Johnnie Lytle Tate and Vona Butler Tate held their annual Tate Family Reunion at the Joe Wheeler State Park, outside of Rogersville, Alabama , Sunday, August 21, 2005.
About 80-100 people attended. Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, Ohio and Tennessee were all represented. At the entrance to the pavilion, Ms. Scarlett Brooks ably and cheerfully signed in attendees, issued name tags and solicited donations for future gatherings. John Sledge delivered the invocation before the meal. After the delicious, and varied potluck/barbeque, Bob Tate opened the ceremonies with a speech about the family origins, followed by introductions of the attendees and their guests. Shirley Tate Pugh then took over the mic reciting memories and recollections of the patriarch and matriarch of this Tate branch. Horace Tate then remembered those that have passed on since the last reunion. Of the 11 children of Johnnie and Vona, only one has passed. Ralph Tate died last June, and was fondly remembered and sadly missed. Junior Tate delivered his memories of their grandmother, known as Ma Tate. Each family was given a copy of the family history and tree. Photographs of the Tate ancestors were available for viewing, along with a tree chart tracing the Tates back to 1635. A thunderstorm cut the festivities short, as many people left at this time. However, the storm passed after about 30 minutes and the remainder of the attendees got to catch up with each other while dismantling the decorations and just generally cleaning up. Thanks to all who organized and put in lots of hard to work to make this reunion memorable for all that attended. I do not know all that went on behind the scenes, but I know Bob Tate worked hard getting things together and reserving the pavilion; Don "Duck" Tate provided the delicious BBQ; Janie Tate Luncford and Brenda Tate Trousdale provided the hot dogs, slaw and necessary condiments; Shirley Tate Pugh has done a lot of research on the family and wrote the family histories we received; Horace and Judy Tate took care of additional seating, paper goods, fans, etc.; Brandon Tate provided the sound system; other family members provided the many dishes, drinks and goodies we had to choose from, not to mention the good company! I do not intentionally leave anyone out--I know more people pitched in and we want you to know you are appreciated!!! If you would like to recognize a contribution that I've left out, please email me HERE! Will be adding photos of the event soon! Thank you!