Erwin Arthur Tate, 95, beloved husband of 70 years to the late Geraldine “Gerri” Roth Tate, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Erwin was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Edwin Arthur Tate and Florence Mae Petrie Tate. He graduated from Academy High School, where he played the cello and began a life marked by curiosity, dedication, and connection with others. As a young man, he was a member of the Order of DeMolay, where he took Gerri on their very first date to a DeMolay Ball—a beginning to a lifelong love story. He also spent time with the Sea Scouts on Lake Erie and served in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

In 1953, Erwin enlisted in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Warrant Officer. After his honorable service, he began a long and accomplished career with IBM in 1958, where he worked until his retirement in 1990. During his time there, he was awarded a U.S. patent for developing a testing program that allowed circuits to test themselves without interruption—an achievement he took quiet pride in.

Erwin had a deep and abiding heart for service. He coached Little League baseball in Moses Lake, WA. He was a devoted Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, earning both the Order of the Arrow and the distinguished Silver Beaver Award. He led Atonement Lutheran Church BSA Troop 32 on a memorable trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. He also served his communities as a volunteer firefighter in Glasco, New York, and Raleigh, North Carolina, and as longtime president of the Six Forks Volunteer Fire Department.

His faith was the foundation of his life. He served as president of both the Atonement Lutheran Church and Benson Memorial Methodist Church councils and was an active member of church choirs, joyfully sharing his love of music. Alongside his beloved Gerri, he volunteered at the USO canteen at Raleigh-Durham Airport, warmly welcoming and supporting soldiers traveling to and from Fort Bragg and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

Erwin found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. He enjoyed horseshoes, woodworking, model railroading, camping, and traveling with family and friends. Together, he and Gerri explored much of the United States, as well as Hawaii, Alaska, and London. He loved a good jigsaw puzzle, Sudoku, and most of all, took great pride in his three sons and the family he cherished deeply.

He often said his father was “the best man I ever knew,” and he lived his life striving to honor that example. Known for his warm, outgoing nature, Erwin never met a stranger. He touched countless lives through his kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in others. He was a beloved member of Rolling Green Retirement Village in Greenville, South Carolina, where he lived from 2016 to 2026.

Erwin is survived by his three sons, Edwin A. Tate II and wife Tammy, David A. Tate and wife Katie, and Douglas J. Tate; his granddaughter, Amanda R. Tate; and two step-grandchildren, Justin Allbritton and Kelly McGivern.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his three sisters, Marge Schwerk, Miriam Elkin, and Jane Tate, as well as his twin brother, Ivan Tate.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Rolling Green Village ATTN: Judy Outlaw, with checks designated to the Residents Assistance Fund in memory of Erwin Tate.