Billy "Popeye" Tate

Billy Herbert Tate, 89, Ada, Oklahoma resident, died Friday July 3, 2015 in Ada, Oklahoma. Billy was born on May 3, 1926 in Oilton, Oklahoma to William Henderson and Margaret Ethel (Morgan) Tate. Billy was known as “Popeye” to his friends and family.   Billy had lived all over Oklahoma during his life in towns like, Davenport, Seminole, Wewoka, Ardmore, and Ada. Billy attended Davenport Schools and graduated from Davenport High School and later attended three years of college in Weatherford, Oklahoma. He was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Seminole, Oklahoma. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, a 32nd degree Mason and a Shriner; he was also a member of the Elks Lodge in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Billy served in the United State Navy, during World War II, as a Seaman First Class, in the South Pacific. During his working career he was employed by Sinclair/Arco as a lease pumper, roustabout, roughneck and truck driver.   Billy married Joan Gertrude (Hodges) Tate on May 22, 1948 in Davenport, Oklahoma and she preceded him in death on February 16, 2002.   Billy is survived by his son Mark Tate and his wife Marilyn of Meeker, Oklahoma and his daughter Dinda Rachel and her husband Paul of Ada, Oklahoma, one sister-in-law, Eva Mae Tate of Dumas, Texas, four grandchildren Patrick Rachel, Tara Bailey, Michael Tate and Matthew Tate and four great grandchildren, Brooke Bailey, Tyler Bailey, Mason Tate, and Brazen Tate.   He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three brothers, three sisters and one great-grandchild.   A private memorial service will be held in his honor.   Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: July 6, 2015, 11:00 AM Swearingen Funeral Home located at 1001 N. Milt Phillips Ave., Seminole, OK 74868