Lemuel Tate

Lemuel Clarence “Pete” Tate, 57, of Lorena, passed away Wednesday February 20, 2019. Graveside services will be held 10am Monday February 25, at Rosemound Cemetery, 3201 S 12th St, with Pastor David Cozart officiating. The family will receive visitors from 4-6 pm Sunday February 24, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Dr., Waco.

Pete was born December 20, 1961 to Lemuel Clarence Sr. and Margaret Grimes Tate. He began his long working career at a young age, starting with the family logging business in Alabama and Mississippi. Following a few years in the off shore oil rigs, he relocated to Texas in 1985. He worked and enjoyed time with family at Big Boys Wrecking and then became the garage manager at Ms. Baird’s for 15 years. He spent the last ten plus years as a diesel mechanic for Rush Enterprises.

Pete was a man of few words, with even fewer words that could be repeated, but when he spoke you knew you were getting the truth. He believed in hard work and honesty, and would help out anyone around, no matter the cost to him. Pete had the mindset of if it needed to be done, you just did it, like the time a snake decided his truck frame was the place to be. He reached in, got bit, reached straight back in again, and pulled it out still attached to his hand before calmly going back to whatever task he had been working on. Most days you could find him in his shop, in his overalls or cut off shirt and jeans, listening to his 8 track and working on whatever friend or neighbor’s car that needed repairs.

He valued family above all else and to him, once you were a friend, you were family. His last few weeks were a hard fought battle, with his family by his side. Rest easy ol’ man, we will fill your boots from here.