James "Elwood" Tate

James "Elwood" Tate, 71, of 199 Lark Road in Eden, passed away suddenly on Wednesday afternoon, May 13, 2015 on his farm.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 16, at Fair Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in Danville Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Tate was born January 11, 1944 in Rockingham County, NC, to the late James Talmadge Tate and Fannie Cannon Tate. He was a 1962 graduate of Ruffin High School. Elwood worked as a full time farmer but had worked at Dan River Mills, Miller Brewing Company, and Fieldcrest Mills over the years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and farming.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Martin Tate of the home; daughter, Christie Tate Chambers and husband, Frank of Eden; two sons, Martin Tate of Burlington and Matthew Tate and wife, Jennifer of Eden; one grandchild, Parker Nicole Tate; and two sisters, Joan Wade of Eden and Robin Thacker and husband, Mike, of Ruffin.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charlie Ray Tate.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service (10 - 11 AM) at Fair Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com