Grover Hoyle “H.T.” Tate, 77, passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center.  He was a native of Rutherford County and the son of the late Grover Hoyle and Mallie Hamrick Tate.   He was a graduate of R.S. Central High School and the Tennessee School of Graphic Arts.  H.T. worked with the Lenoir News Topic and later retired from the Shelby Star after 37 years of service.  Mr. Tate was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Shelby and past secretary of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class. 

Mr. Tate is survived by his loving wife, Martha Upton Tate; daughter, Vivian Tate Cordle and husband David of Greenville, SC; granddaughter, Martha Avery Cordle; grandson, David Ray Cordle; three sisters, Frances and Troy Murray of Spindale, NC, Carolyn and Paul Upton of Forest City, NC, and Lucy Jane Neal of Olney, MD; and many cherished family members, friends, and neighbors.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at the Webb Chapel of First Baptist Church in Shelby.  The Rev. Tony Tench will be officiating.  Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00pm prior to the service at the church.

The family requests memorials go to First Baptist Church, c/o The Music Department, 120 N. Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Tate.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com