August 23, 1934 to Dec. 2, 2023.
That was the lifespan of Clarence Richard Tate – a prominent Democrat and trial attorney in High Point who held in life, among many other key positions, the seat of chairman of the Guilford County Board of Elections.
Tate passed away at Duke University Hospital on December 2 after a brief illness.
His obituary describes him as a “true Southerner” and a “Yellow Dog Democrat,” as well as “a voracious reader and a learned scholar of history.”
He was a member of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church in High Point for more than half a century and also served as an Elder for the congregation.
Tate was also a prominent figure in the political and legal communities of High Point and Guilford County.
“He was extremely active in the North Carolina and Guilford County Democratic Parties,” the obituary reads, “holding various leadership positions within both. He served two terms on the Guilford County Board of Elections, and served as its Chairman.”
He grew up in Greensboro and graduated from Greensboro Senior High School in 1952, before it became Grimsley High.
He served for three years in the US Marines and reached the rank of Sergeant.
Tate later became a trial attorney and served as a Bar Councilor for the 18th Judicial District for two terms. He won many professional legal awards and was recognized as a Super Lawyer and as one of the Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Family Law and Criminal Law.
He also served as President of the High Point Bar Association.
A particularly touching passage regarding his relationship with his wife in his obituary reads, “Richard’s final and most important goal was to outlive Dot after she became afflicted with Alzheimer’s so that he could care for her at home and ensure that she was comfortable. Once Dot became ill, Richard happily undertook all aspects of her daily care, and did so with great love and tenderness. Even in the worst stages of her illness, when Dot knew hardly no one else, she always knew Richard and this is a testament to their great love and his incredible caretaking.”
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church in High Point.
Richard Tate was a gentleman and a very likable individual. When you asked Richard how he was doing he would always say “better than I deserve”. He was a lot of fun to be around.