Hugh Tate Ervin

Hugh Tate Ervin, Jr., 82, of Morganton, surrounded by his family and friends, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at his home, following a period of declining health. He was born to parents, Hugh Tate Ervin, Sr. and Peg Bird Ervin on November 29, 1930, he and his father shared a birthday.He attended Morganton city schools, Darlington School, Oak Ridge Military Academy, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1953.Tate married Anne Frances Kirksey of Morganton in 1954 and soon thereafter began serving his country as a naval officer on the submarine USS Rock. After a three year tour of duty, he returned to Morganton to begin a career and family. His favorite job was working with his father at the Morganton Lumber Company. After his father's retirement, Tate moved on to a career in real estate where he specialized in sales and appraisals until his retirement at the age of 81.Tate was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His kind spirit and generosity touched many people and he brought joy to others with his smile, sense of humor, and stories of the past. Tate's Christian faith was extremely important to him. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Morganton where he served as an elder, Sunday school superintendent, as well as a Sunday school teacher. He took great pleasure in being part of the Men's Bible Class. Civic work was very important to Tate as well; he was active in the Morganton Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, served on the city of Morganton Planning and Zoning Commission, the Exploring Joara Foundation, and Friends of the Library.Tate had a zeal for life, loving God, family, and friends. He was an airplane pilot in his spare time, an avid reader, a wood craftsman, photographer, and historian. He was an outdoorsman, including a love for bird watching and fishing (especially enjoying the fellowship with his fishing buddies).His friends were very special to him and he was honored by them in several ways: Man of the Year at Morganton Kiwanis Club, Realtor of the Year by Burke Realty Association, and was chosen as a member of the Burke County Board of Realtors Hall of Fame in 2010.Tate was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Peggy. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anne and four beloved children; Dolly Holder and husband, John Holder, Dan Ervin, David Ervin and wife, Robbin Ervin, Amy Kirkman and husband, Chris Kirkman. Also surviving are ten beloved grandchildren and one great-grandchild; Lindsey Poteet, Corey Harris and husband, Kris Harris, Kirksey Lowther and husband, Michael Lowther, Kathryn Ervin, Anne Marie Kirkman, Clark Ervin, Olivia Kirkman, Luke, Ruth Anne, & Leah Ervin, and Emory Harris.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care or Habitat for Humanity. A memorial service to celebrate Tate's life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, August 18, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church of Morganton. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family.