JAMES ARTHUR TATE JR.

James Arthur Tate Jr. was born on April 18, 1936, in Abbeville, to the late Arthur Tate and Leola Tate Jeter. He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witness in 1969 in Brooklyn, New York. He faithfully served Jehovah for the past 50 years, served as an elder for more than 40 years and as a regular pioneer for the past 13 years.

James was lost to a sudden illness on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019.

James worked tirelessly in his endeavor to support the ministry in any way he could. He enjoyed serving the friends locally and regionally as he worked as a Patient Visitation Group (PVG) member, visiting sick friends while they were in the hospital. Additionally, he enjoyed working with the Local Design Construction (LDC formerly RBC) in various projects around the state. He had a special love for the internal ministry, shepherding the friends in conversation, field service or in some other practical way. The pioneer work was a passion of his as he served with many in the ministry but especially appreciated serving alongside his wife in this beautiful work of helping others come to know and love Jehovah as he did. In addition to his own children and other relatives, he gained a large family of spiritual sons, daughters and grandchildren. He was known to many as "Pops," as he took on the role of a spiritual father to many.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 100 Lynam Road, Sumter.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations towards a Parkinson's research organization of your choice.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web - www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.