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Bernie Ray Tate Obituary

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Bernie Ray Tate

Van Alstyne, TX

January 14, 1941 - April 22, 2021

Bernie Ray Tate Obituary

Bernie Ray Tate passed away Thursday, April 22, 2021 at the age of 80. He was born January 14, 1941 to Maurine and Raymond Tate in Pickton, Texas. The family moved to Dallas when he was just a couple of years old. He graduated from Crozier Tech High School in 1959. Bernie married Brenda Joyce Cunningham of Van Alstyne, Texas on August 18, 1976. Bernie was a self-taught master machinist and later started his own business, Superior Engravers, operating various machines like pantographs, mills, lathes, and EDMs. He provided the highest quality semi-conductor products to companies like Texas Instruments for over 30 years. In 1979, Bernie’s company was one of a few in the U.S. nominated as Small Business Subcontractor of the Year, and he amazed many engineers with his skills and ability to build practically any precision part needed in several industries. Bernie loved spending time with his family and friends, whether it was playing cards or dominoes or just hanging out. He was the best storyteller and got a kick out of making others laugh. He enjoyed flying radio control airplanes, target shooting, riding motorcycles, and most everything that was outdoors. He also showed no mercy when playing Monopoly. He and Brenda built a good life raising their girls, Angie and Lisa and made many great memories. Bernie was a hands-on dad, coaching softball when his girls were teens, boating with them on Lake Texoma, and taking scenic family vacations in their motor home. He cared for Brenda for many years as her health failed and provided the best of care for her until she passed in February 2005. He was a one-of-a kind, and his smile was often accompanied by a sparkle in his eye that could light up a room. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 27 years, Brenda Tate. Bernie is survived by his daughter Angie Bennett and husband Randle of Van Alstyne, Texas; daughter Lisa Penney and husband Steve of Howe, Texas; and sister Nelda Leist and husband Blaine of Allen, Texas. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Justin Bennett of Van Alstyne; Dustin Bennett and wife Kristen of Van Alstyne; Amanda Tomlin and husband Adam of Westminster; Tyler Bennett and wife Holly of Van Alstyne and Will Penney of Howe; and 7 great-grandchildren Alexis Tomlin, Addison Tomlin, Aiden Tomlin, Autumn Tomlin, Harper Bennett, Oaklyn Wallace Bennett and Holden Wallace Bennett; two nephews David Good and Damon Good as well as several cousins, great nephews and nieces. A visitation will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Scoggins Funeral Home in Van Alstyne, Texas. A service to honor Bernie will follow visitation at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Van Alstyne Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the COPD Foundation at COPDFoundation.org. Services are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home & Crematory, 637 W. Van Alstyne, Pkwy. Van Alstyne, TX, 75495. 903-482-5225. You may sign the online register book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com.

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