Mr. Charles Tate

Mr. Charles Tate of Tampa, FL, passed away on February 16, 2026.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606, with Pastor Donald Lott, Officiating. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610.

Charles Tate, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant (SSG), was born on August 13, 1943, in Richmond County, Georgia. His early years were spent in Georgia before the family relocated to Tampa, Florida, in the late 1940s. This is where he spent his formative years.

He was educated in the Hillsborough County Public School system and graduated from Howard W. Blake High School in the Class of 1961.

In an effort to enhance his life and explore the world, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1962 and advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Throughout his military career, he primarily served as a supply sergeant. He completed multiple tours worldwide, including deployments to Germany and Vietnam, as well as numerous stateside tours of duty in Georgia, Kansas, and Colorado.

After retiring from the military, he worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Postal Service until his final retirement in Atlanta, Georgia. Shortly thereafter, he returned to the Tampa Bay area to live with his family and friends from his youth.

During his time in Germany, he met and married Jackie Odstrcil. From this union, were born his two loving children: son, Christopher and daughter, Valerie.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, James Sr. and Eva Thompkins Tate; his only sister, Julia Mae and brother, Paul Willie.

He is survived by: his brothers, James Jr., Wayne (Lorene), and Ray, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Special among them were: Theresa (Melvin) Taggett, Brian (LaNetra) Tate, Sonia Jackson, Toya Tate, and Brandi; grandchildren, Axel, Jeremy, Raphael and Chloe; and great-grandson, Adem.

Charles was loved by many and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A special thanks to the Aston Gardens staff and his caregiver, Guysemard Reguenard.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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