Graveside Funeral Services for Gary Eddie Tate, “Fat Gary”, will be held  at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell. Gary’s life will also be celebrated at the Purcell High School Reunion Weekend, June 23rd and 24th. Services will be under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.

Gary Eddie Tate, “Fat Gary”, a loving husband, father and friend, age 79, of Purcell, Oklahoma passed peacefully BUT unexpectedly with the main cause acute respiratory failure on March 17, 2023, St Patrick’s Day.  Family and friends were shocked with the suddenness although his health had started to decline in Feb. 2022, in none other than Monterey-Carmel, Calif.

Fat Gary was born in Richmond, Calif., on Nov. 20, 1943, the older of two children born to Dr. James E. Tate and Virginia Pearl (Price) Tate. At an early age Gary battled as a stutterer and in an effort to help himself overcome, he proudly introduced himself as “Fat Gary.” A name he affectionately carried the rest of his life. Think of it as a nickname, not a description. 

After going to 13 schools in 12 years, he graduated with the PHS Dragon Class of 1961, who won the state basketball championship. He felt so honored to be a part of that team, after only being here one year, and remained lifelong friends with many of his teammates.   

Fat Gary married his high school sweetheart on August 3, 1963.  As it looked like being married “60” years was an attainable goal, he became fixated on it. At the time of his passing, they had been married (21,776) days. Apart at the end of the day for no more than 1,500 nights, they only needed 139 days to the exact date. In addition, they dated for 3 years so it more than made up for 139 days short. Only one percent of married couples reach the “60” year Diamond Anniversary.

Once they reached Palliative Care and knowing how badly he wanted 60 years, and with all he had endured during the week, Earla said, “Fat Gary it’s August 3rd, 2023, and we are having a party. In one hour, they shared the experience of a lifetime. Not realizing until later she will always have the beautiful memory and no sadness or regret. With the spontaneity of the moment with love from everyone it was PERFECT!! They had their 60th anniversary party.  They had always hoped their last trip would be to San Francisco, and it actually was. 

Fat Gary treasured family, friends, new and old acquaintances, how you treat others, giving careful thought to your words before you say them, not having to be the center of attention, making someone’s day better and even learning to say I’m sorry when you didn’t think you were wrong were much more important to him than all of the achievements, accolades and travels that he had. Many of you have life experiences you’ve shared with him, so you know. Many of you may remember him from Purcell Vision Clinic.

After his passing and all the outpouring of love, Earla didn’t want to take a chance of offending someone by not being included, because she could hear Gary say, “EARLA”, if she did. It takes a village to raise a child, and it also takes a village to keep the elderly alive. We want to thank our village for the effort. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. James and Virginia Tate.

Gary is survived by his sweetheart, Earla Tate of the home; daughter, Earla Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Leonard (Richard) of Purcell; sons, James Louis ‘Jay’ Tate (Carmella) of Purcell and Kristopher Ode “Kris” Tate (Kinsie) of Glendale, Calif.; sister, Dede Page (Ron) of Purcell; five grandchildren, Patrick, Henry, Evelynn ‘E.V.’, Sam and Gabe, and a host of other family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Stuttering Foundation, P.O. Box 11749, Memphis, TN, 38111-0749.  (901) 761-0343.  www.StutteringHelp.org, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.