Grady Eugene Tate, 78, Chanute, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Chanute.
Grady was born Jan. 7, 1938, in Tulsa, to Grady Walter and Alice Marie (Bennett) Tate.
On March 26, 2000, he married Lola Helen Orosco at Highland Park in Chanute. Lola survives him at the home.
Grady worked as a car painter and detailer for both Merle Kelly Ford and Shields Motor Co in Chanute. His skills were highly sought after by car enthusiasts. He was a hard worker and it showed through in his paint jobs, some of which were featured in Hot Rod Magazine. Despite his skill, Grady was a humble person and did not brag about his work. He also served in the U.S. Army driving trucks for two years.
In his free time, Grady loved to be outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and also was a member of an RC Boat Club called the Bullheads. He enjoyed outdoor cooking and was known for his ribs. He was also an avid bowler and once bowled a perfect game.
His wife survives, as do sons, Grady A. Tate and wife Debbie, Connersville, Ind., and Richard A. Tate, Chanute; a sister, Patty Hoover and husband Ed, LaHarpe; and grandchildren, Ryan Tate, Andrea Tate, Alicia Tate and Katelyn Tate.
Grady was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has been requested. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Countryside Funeral Home, Johnson Chapel. Military honors will be conducted by the Chanute Honor Guard. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.
Families request memorials to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.
