Howell Tate McGehee died March 21, 2022, at the age of 92 in his home in Liberty, Mississippi surrounded by his family and caretaker.  Born April 16, 1929, in Liberty, Tate was the older of two children raised by Clinton and Anna Lea Tate McGehee.  He married Centreville native Estelle McKey on March 21, 1951.  They reared five children together and he was reunited with his wife on what would have been their 71 ^st wedding anniversary.

Tate served in the U. S. Army mostly on active duty in Korea as an infantryman and truck driver with the Third Army from December 5, 1950, to September 5, 1952, obtaining the rank of corporal.  After a few years of work with his father in a portable sawmill operation, he began his long career with a company now known as Ergon as a truck driver.  He advanced from truck driver to become the company truck safety supervisor.  In recognition of his knowledge and respect in the industry, he was named Mississippi Truck Safety Supervisor of the Year by William Winter in the 1970's and he was in charge of statewide truck rodeos for many years. He retired from service with Ergon in 1999 at age 70.  Tate was also a longtime cattle and tree farmer.

Tate was raised to the Sublime Degree Master Mason on November 22, 1954, having completed both Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft Degrees prior with the Liberty Lodge #37.

He took great pride and joy in his family and his family loved him in return.  Tate is survived by four of his children and their spouses: CliAnn Pittman Griffin, Bernell McGehee and wife Susan, Mary Brecheen and husband Nathan, Winnie Brecheen and husband Orland; and daughter-in-law Delphine McGehee.  He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and their spouses: Cary McGehee and wife Jennifer; Scott McGehee; Page Goff and husband Mickey; Idalia Sterling and husband Brad; Brina Leroux and husband Gilles; Candice Burkes and husband Cole; Mandy Scarpulla and husband Stephen; Clay Brecheen, Jr.; Amy Pittman and husband Patrick Reeves; Geoffrey Pittman and wife Alexandra; and Meloanie Nettles and husband Cory.

Tate leaves behind 18 great-grandchildren who he adored: Alexi and André Leroux; Camden Pittman; Grace, Carter, and Tate Goff; Sage Scarpulla; Gabe Bordelon; Ethan Brecheen; Jesse, Mary Lynn, Anna, Katelyn, and Amber Burkes; Chloe Sterling; Nicholas Brecheen; and Caleb and Holt Nettles.  He is also survived by his brother Paul McGehee and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Tate in death were his wife, Estelle McKey McGehee, his son Gerald McGehee, son-in-laws Hilton Pittman and Dr. Thomas Griffin, and grandson Brian Brecheen.

Services will be held at Liberty Baptist Church on Saturday, March 26, 2022.  Visitation will be from 9:00 until the service at 11:00 am.  Burial and graveside service will commence at the Liberty Cemetery in Liberty, Mississippi.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Clay Brecheen, Jr., Cary McGehee, and Geoffrey Pittman, and grandsons-in-law Cole Burkes, Mickey Goff, and Brad Sterling.

Honorary Pallbearers: grandson Scott McGehee and grandsons-in-law Cory Nettles, Patrick Reeves, and Stephen Scarpulla.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Liberty Baptist Church Youth Fund.