Waymon Benson Tate, 87, of Cumming, died June 24, 2010.

His devoted wife of 64 1/2 years, Orene, preceded him in death.

Mr. Tate was born in Lafayette, Ga. May 3, 1923.

He was raised in Forsyth County and farmed for a living. Mr. Tate served his country for freedom in WWII and was a Purple Heart recipient.

Throughout his life, he was a trusted employee of Sudderth Furniture, Stone Furniture Co., Coca-Cola Company and the Forsyth County Board of Education as bus driver and maintenance supervisor.

Mr. Tate managed the Farmer's Market in Forsyth County for many years. He was a member of the Veteran's Alliance, the McDonald's Coffee Club and the Lafayette F&AM #44 Masonic Lodge for over 50 years.

As a former member of Corinth Baptist Church, he served them in the office of Church Clerk and Treasurer, Sunday School Superintendent, Song Leader and Deacon. At his death, he was a member and Deacon of Haw Creek Baptist Church.

Survivors include sons and daughter-in-law, Gerald Tate and Benson and Brenda Tate; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and David Clackum; grandchildren, Julie and Randy Davenport, Jan and Justin Gaddis, all of Dawsonville, Clint Clackum of Cumming; great-grandchildren, Colbie, William and T.J. Gaddis, all of Dawsonville; sister, Ethel Grizzle of Dahlonega; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. June 26 in the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Jerry Orr, Jackie Stewart and Larry Vaughan officiating.

Interment followed in Sawnee View Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to the Compassionate Hospice Foundation, 2565 Thompson Bridge Road, Ste. 112, Gainesville, GA 30501.

Ingram Funeral Home and Crematory of Cumming was in charge of the arrangements.