Howard Tate , 77, of Shelby, NC, passed away Wednesday, April 6th, in Atrium Health in Shelby. Widow of Louena Wilson Tate, he was born in Cherokee County, SC and was a son of the late Lawrence and Pearlie Oglesby Tate. Howard was a 1964 graduate of Granard High School and a retired employee of Magnolia Finishing. He was a member of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church where he was a deacon, former Chairman of the Deacon Board, and former choir member. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings, Merle Mobley, Dorothy B. Tate, and The Reverend Dr. L.T. Tate. He leaves to cherish loving memories: a son Brandy Tate (Nichole), of Dallas, NC; a daughter, Merenda Tate, of Shelby; a brother, Wallace Tate (Donna), of Gaffney; two sisters, Brenda Lee Tate and Josie Wilkins, both of Gaffney; two grandchildren, Brennon and Brentson Tate, of Dallas, NC; several nieces and nephews; many friends. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, April 13th, 2:00 p.m., in Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, with The Reverend C.A. Wallace officiating.