Tate Felix Baker

Tate Felix Baker, 74, of Glen Alpine, NC died Saturday, February 5, 2011 at his residence. Born in Burke County, NC on March 9, 1936, he was the son of the late William McKinley Baker and Ruth Beatrice Whitner Baker.Tate is survived by a daughter, Alva Lee Yandle and husband, Chuck, of Charlotte, NC; granddaughter, Amanda McVey and husband, John and grandson, Philip Burrage; great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Bethany McVey, Taylor and Liliana Burrage; brothers, James Baker of Freemont, CA, Yates Baker of Drexel, NC, Glenn Baker of Morganton, David (Eugene) Baker of Icard, NC, and Ray Baker of Wetumpka, AL; sisters, Nancy Causby of Rutherford College, NC, Millie Brittain of Morganton, Arlene Rowell of Hickory, NC, Clarice Burns of Connelly Springs, NC, and Diane Rogers of Tyler, TX; former wives, Effie Hefner and Dorothy Baker; nieces Judy Taylor and Veda Walker who were especially close to him along with thirty-three other nieces and nephews;In addition to his parents, Tate was preceded in death by brothers, Herbert and Paul Baker; and sisters, Cleta Mae Franklin, Lucille Baker, and Reba Mull.Tate was an avid gardener who loved sharing his bounty with family, friends and neighbors. He was a great cook and enjoyed fellowship around a good meal. He loved gospel music and road trips to the mountains.He had numerous jobs including restaurant manager at "Curley’s" in Hildebran and "Mom and Pops" in Taylorsville, a "fixer" at Scorpio Knits in Morganton, and shipping/receiving clerk at Emery and Environmental Inks. The last few years, he did various odd jobs and looked after many people in the community until a recent decline in his health.

A special thanks to Don "Peachman", and Bill Conelly for their kindness and special friendships. We would also like to thank Pete for giving him a reason to get out of the house even when he didn’t feel like it.His energy, enthusiasm and passion for life was contagious to others. You could never leave his presence being sad, hungry or empty handed. His numerous travels and life experiences made talking with Tate interesting and he was NEVER at loss for words! He made several daily and weekly calls to those that he loved and we will all miss them. Mondays will never be the same.There will be a celebration of Tate’s life at 6:30 p.m., Friday, February 11, 2011 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.