William "Bill" Franklin Tate Jr.

William Franklin Tate Jr, Bill, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, July 2, 2025, at the age of 91. Bill was born in Cedar Grove, North Carolina, to Frank and Maggie (Pritchett) Tate. He was the older of two children and grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins on the Tate family farm.

After graduating from Aycock High School, Bill pursued his education at Elon College, earning a degree in business administration. It was on a blind date that he met the love of his life, Jean Wilkerson. Married for 68 years, their devotion to each other only deepened with each passing year. Bill proudly served in the Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After his time in the service, Bill and Jean settled in Mebane and began their family.

Bill dedicated 35 years to Cone Mills in Haw River as a business office manager. Later, he embarked on a second career in property development. He was especially proud of developing and living in Webster Grove in Hawfields – a place that truly reflected his vision.

Bill grew up attending Mount Zion Christian Church in Efland but after settling his family in Mebane, he and Jean joined Hawfields Presbyterian Church.  Bill served as a deacon and elder and was also a founding member of the Hawfields Civitan Club. At the fields there, he impacted many young lives coaching baseball and softball. Eventually, he and Jean returned to their Baptist roots as members of First Baptist Church in Mebane. His commitment to his church and community was evident but above all, he cherished his family and enjoyed everything his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren did.

Bill had many passions that brought him joy. He loved farming and gardening, always making sure he had a tractor nearby. He loved fishing, playing golf, traveling and unwinding with crossword puzzles, cowboy books and old movies. Golf was his lifelong passion and he was part of several groups, won tournaments, made dear friends and was incredibly proud to be a member of the hole-in-one club.

Bill found immense joy in spending time at the coast. He loved fishing, boating, and sharing his appreciation for the beach with friends and family.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Wade, and his beloved Jean. He is survived by his daughter, Robin (Rob) Harper, and his son, Tony (Vera) Tate. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Erin (Erick) Lawson, Will Harper, Jay Harper, and Allison (Chris) Kincheloe, as well as five precious great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his niece, Rhonda Tate Kernodle, his nephew Craig Tate, his brother-in-law Johnny (Wendy) Wilkerson, and his sister-in-law, Gail Wilkerson, along with many other loving family members, friends, and neighbors.

Our family extends its heartfelt gratitude to his dedicated caregivers, Sarah Strayhorn and Frances Richmond. We also offer our sincere appreciation to the entire community of staff and residents at Trinity Grove in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he lived comfortably for the last year.

A service of remembrance will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 19, at First Baptist Church of Mebane, located at 301 S. Third Street, Mebane, NC 27302, with a reception to follow. A private graveside service will be held at Mount Zion Christian Church in Mebane, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Mebane.