Cleatus B. Tate

Cleatus B. Tate was born on June 13, 1928 in Asheville, North Carolina, the seventh of seven children born to James Houston and Sophie (White) Tate. He completed his Journey to the Lord on August 16, 2018.

He was pre-deceased in death by his father, James Houston, mother, Sophie, brothers Nordin, Gordon, Conrade, and sisters Clementine and Winifred. Throughout his life he was extremely loving and proud of his family. Left to cherish his memory are brother Marcus N. Tate of Buffalo, New York; niece Linda Brown (Cecil) Williamsville, New York; nephew, Robert Tate, Bronx New York, special cousins Renee Hawthorne, Long Beach California and Polly Johnson, Cleveland, Ohio.

Blessed with a brilliant humanitarian mind, his early years were molded by values imparted to him by his parents while growing up in the depression-era in Asheville, North Carolina.  Those values were rooted in strong family relations and Christian faith. Through his parents and extended family members, Cleatus learned to be compassionate, hard-working, and committed to his family and serving his community. He attended Stephens Lee High in Asheville and graduated from LaSalle High in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He earned a degree in Business Administration from St. Joseph’s College. A Korean War veteran he served in the U.S. Army with the Rank of Sergeant in Battery Supply. His work career included the U.S. Post Office, Veterans Administration, and Housing Authority City of Asheville along with being self-employed as a Real-estate Broker, Tax Preparer, Accountant and Bookkeeper.

Over the years he served his community on the Boards of Buncombe County Council on Aging, Asheville Planning and Zoning, Parish Council for St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Financial Council and Advisory Council for The Basilica of St Lawrence, Housing Authority City of Asheville and Western North Carolina Community Health Services.

Becoming a devout Roman Catholic in his early twenties, he was Invested in The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem in October 1997. Cleatus was the embodiment of what it means to be a member of the Order. He was unfailing polite and up-beat despite failing health in recent years. He was the font for information on the Order, particularly in the growth of it in the Asheville Area.

From Marcus Tate

As we witness to the resurrection to eternal life for my beloved brother Cleatus Benjamin Tate, I want to share that his death is not easy. We will miss his presence and his role in our lives. Our loss is painful. At the same time, we are also reminded of our own mortality and how vulnerable and frail life can be. We mourn, not just for Cleatus and other loved ones who are no longer with us, but for ourselves and all that remain dear. My prayer on this day is that they all abound in heavenly eternal peace.  

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