Merle G. Tate

Merle G. Tate, 79, of Kingsport, died Thursday morning, October 4, 2012 at Indian Path Medical Center following complications from an extended illness. Born in Roda, VA, she spent most of her school age years in Kingsport and graduated from Lynn View High School. Merle served as a military wife for many years before moving back to Kingsport in 1983. She was a retired English teacher and had obtained a Master's Degree. Merle received several certifications for her volunteer services with many different agencies.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Alberta Bowen, Jewel Blevins and Virgie Hardesty; and one brother, James Tate.

Merle is survived by her daughter, Debby Mays Butler and husband, Rodger of Kingsport; son, Eric M. Mays and wife, Bernadette Costello of Woodbridge, VA; three granddaughters, Devan, Kellsey and Quinn; sisters Ruby Reddick and Marie Ketron; brothers, Kelles Tate, Paul Tate and Dean Tate; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 8th from 4-6:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 15th at 2:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Friends In Need Health Care Center, 1105 W. Stone Dr., Kingsport, TN 37660 for smoking cessation programs.