Melvin Gene Tate

Melvin Gene Tate, 89, of Corbin, KY passed away Friday, April 7, 2023.
Melvin was born in Versailles, KY to Willie and Mae Tate on June 27, 1934.
He served honorably during the Korean War. After returning to Versailles, he married his longtime sweetheart Shirley Holland Tate.
The family moved to Corbin in 1962, where he leveraged his Army-learned talents in grinding lenses and opened Corbin Optical Company. After his wife Shirley passed away, Melvin married Margie Chadwell in 1998 who was a very devoted wife.
Melvin was active in the church, as well as the community. He loved to attend his “Band of Brothers” bible study group at Central Baptist church, served as a Deacon and choir member for many years, and is currently a member of Poplar Grove Baptist Church. In his downtime, Melvin loved to watch the Cincinnati Reds and play golf.
He is survived by his wife, Margie L. Tate; children, Larry (wife Linda Tate), Connie (husband Mark Wilson), and Jamie (husband David Chrisman); his niece, Vickie Tate; as well as seven grandchildren and one step-grandchild; five great­-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren; and a host of friends and loved ones who mourn his passing.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents, Willie and Mae, and his brother Wallace, and nephew Glen.
There will be a memorial service at 1:00 pm presided by Rev. Bobby Joe Eaton and Rev. Josh Pollitt held on Sunday, April 23, at Central Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be sent to: Street Hope, TN, 7709 Ewing Road, Powell, TN 37849; Poplar Grove, 2322 N. KY 830, Corbin, KY 40701; Central Baptist Church, 201 W 4th Street, Corbin, KY 40701; or Corbin Senior Citizen Center, 409 Barbourville Street, Corbin, KY 40701.
Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.