Joe Julian Tate

Joe Julian Tate White House Tennessee -Joe Julian Tate, age 94, a dedicated public servant and respected figure in White House, Tennessee as well as across the country in his profession, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. Joe was born in Sumner County, White House Tennessee on September 17, 1931. His parents Ralph and Florence (Palmer) Tate preceded him in death as did his beloved siblings Wynell (Tate) Whitaker and Doug Tate. He is also preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Thelma Jean (Biggs) Tate, whom he married November 7, 1959. She was truly the love of his life. Joe was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church for 54 years. He loved his church and the amazing and loyal friends he and his wife made there. The love and joy that has been received from Bethlehem Baptist Church over the years goes beyond words and will forever fills our hearts with gratitude. Joe dedicated his life to serving his country and his community. He was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 18 and served in the Korean War stationed on Jeju (Cheju) Island, Korea, the site of a secret POW camp/prison that housed up to 170,000 prisoners of war. After the Army, Joe attended Draughon’s Business College. While there, he accepted a suggestion that he go on a blind date with a beautiful fellow student, Thelma Jean Biggs, who fell for his many charms and became his wife. Joe also attended Middle Tennessee State University before transferring to the greatest college of all times, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He graduated with a degree in Logistics and Transportation and began a distinguished career in the federal government with the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC). His service to the nation, through working with the ICC, included Congressional consultations, advising leaders in the private sector of the transportation industry, and investigating and reporting on compliance with federal laws governing transportation. He protected the safety of motorists and ensured that the needs of the Nation were met through an efficient and effective transportation system. Following his retirement from the federal government with the ICC, he continued to contribute his expertise as a consultant in the private sphere as an ICC practitioner. He was a long-time member and charitable giver to the American Legion, University of Tennessee Alumni Association, Robertson County Sheriff’s Association and many others too numerous to mention. He will be remembered for his humorous stories, his integrity and sharp mind, and his devotion to his family as well as his passion for the history of the Sumner County, Tennessee area. In his 94 years he was proud of never missing a Tate or Palmer reunion other than his time away in the service. He took great pride as well in being a grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his daughters Julia Jean Tate-Keith (Lisa) and Linda “Jill” Tate Martin (Ron). His daughters brought grandchildren into his life, BaileyTate Martin (Bailey), Clarissa Lee Martin (Lonnie), Chase McMillin (Caitlin), Jessie McMillin (Brian), Luke Tate-Keith, and Liam Tate-Keith, as well as great-grandchildren Brody Michael Britton, Brighton Rae Ledbetter, Robert Tate Martin, Banx Lee Ledbetter, Josie Kate McMillin, and Wyatt Kevin McMillin. He will also forever be remembered by other loved ones, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral service is scheduled for Friday, November 7, 2025 at 1pm in the chapel of Austin & Bell Funeral Home in White House, with Bro. Bob Carroll officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery with military honors and with. Bailey Martin, Larry Tate, Chase McMillin, Tommy Byrum, Raymond Sanders, Tony Tate, Herb Lord, Tim Murphy, Luke Tate-Keith, and Liam Tate-Keith serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers Cliff White and Brad Houk. Visitation is planned for Thursday, November 6, 2025 4-8PM and Friday, November 7, 2025 10am until the time of the service at the funeral home ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO AUSTIN & BELL 533 Highway 76 White House, TN 37188 (615)672-5000 www.austinandbell.com

Joe Julian Tate

September 17, 1931 - November 1, 2025