Former Commissioner James Tate Dies

Former Jeff Davis County Commissioner James Dockery Tate of Snipesville died Jan. 13 at his residence at the age of 90.
A native of Lumpkin County, Mr. Tate lived almost all of his life in Jeff Davis County. He represented the Whitehead District on the Jeff Davis County Board of Commissioners for many years. A farmer, Mr. Tate was active in farm affairs, serving as chairman and board member of the USDA Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, now known as the Farm Service Agency. He was also an active member of the Jeff Davis County Farm Bureau. Mr. Tate attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by siblings Iris Jones, Roscoe Charles Tate, E.A. Tate, and Thomas Tate.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years Mrs. Arletha Ricketson Tate of Snipesville; daughter and son-in-law, Shari Tate Johnson (Chris) of Dublin; son and daughter-in-law, James Emory Tate (Betty Sue) of Snipesville; sisters, Lynora Sapp and Elena Mayfield; brother, Eugene Tate; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Services were held Jan. 19 at Southside Baptist Church with burial in Hazlehurst City Cemetery.
For more information, see the obituary page.