Vernal Tate

Published 8:58 am Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Vernal Ray Tate passed away on Jan. 1, 2015, at the age of 63.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Debra Tate of Bogalusa; one stepson, Terrance Morris of Bogalusa; three daughters, Veronica (Howard) Cockerham of Ridgeland, Miss., Stacy (Daryl) Culver of Tylertown, Miss., and Amaya Morris of Bogalusa; six brothers, Fred Tate of Osyka, Miss., and Kermon (Patricia) Tate, O.C. Tate, C.P. (Minnie) Tare Jr., Percy (Gloria) Tate and Bennie (Elnora) Tate, all of Osyka; three sisters, Earnestine Buckley, Callie (Alton) Smith and Gloria (Billy) Morris, all of Osyka; six grandchildren, Ebony and Whitney Magee of Ridgland, Zadarrius “Jake” Washington of Magnolia, Miss., and Stephen Tisdaleo and Anthony “A.J.” Gary, both of Tylertown; one great-grandchild; Jakari Brown, a grandson whom he raised as his own; stepgrandchildren, Alexus Holmes and Kia Smoot, both of Bogalusa; one great-grandchild, Eyan Hodges of Ridgeland; one aunt, Catherine Tate; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, C.P. Tate; mother, Vernal Tate; stepson, Keaton Morris; two brothers, Walter Tate and Prentiss Tate; and two sisters, Perlean Johnson and Nola Mae Butler.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, from 2 until 6 p.m., with a family hour from 6 until 7 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa.