‘Tiny’ Tate

ATHENS – Ronnie Lee “Tiny” Tate, 61, died Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.

Born in Athens, he was the son of Mary Lee Powers Tate of Nicholson and the late Raymond Tate. His first love was for country and western music. Since age 12, he had been a bass guitarist and singer, and will probably be very well-remembered as the leader of the band, The New Breed. He had a tremendous heart of gold, was very much loved by everyone, and is now making music in heaven, loved ones stated.

Survivors in addition to his mother, include his wife, Patricia Tate; brother, Raymond Michael Tate, Nicholson; nieces, Stephanie Tate and Carey Tate, both of Gainesville, Jamie Tate, Nicholson; stepchildren, Daniel Lowey, Athens, David Lowey, Bryceville, Fla., Sarah Lowey, Long Island, N.Y., and Nathan Lowey, Portsmouth, Va.

Funeral services were held Sunday, March 22, in the chapel of Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Billy Fowler officiating.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.