20 May 2013 Couples in the 501: The Tates
Two generations of Shelter Insurance agents – Valera and Fred Tate and son, John, and his wife, Mary.
Valera Tate
City: Conway.
Native of: Texas.
Where did you grow up: Booneville (Logan County).
Education: B.S.E. and M.S.E., State College of Arkansas (University of Central Arkansas) in Conway.
Job: Agent, Tates’ Shelter Insurance.
Parents: The late Walter and Della Sammann of Booneville.
Community activities: Active member of First United Methodist Church in Conway.
Church activities: Volunteer at Amazing Grace Café and Altar Guild at First United Methodist Church.
Hobbies/special interests: My grandchildren.
How would you describe yourself: Happy, helpful, glass is always at least half full!
Favorite restaurant in the 501: TGI Fridays, The Fish House.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Mount Magazine and our cabin west of Clinton.
Favorite quote: “Mind your pennies, and your dollars will take care of themselves.”
What do you love about living in the 501: Friendly, caring people.
Fred L. Tate
City: Conway.
Native of: Arkansas.
Where did you grow up: Booneville (Logan County).
Education: BSE, Arkansas Tech in Russellville; MSE, State College of Arkansas (UCA) in Conway.
Job: Agent for Shelter Insurance since 1972.
Parents: The late Charles and Ina Tate of Booneville.
Community activities: Member of Green Grove Masonic Lodge #107.
Church activities: Active member of First United Methodist Church and Amazing Grace Café.
Hobbies/special interests: My grandchildren, fishing.
How would you describe yourself: Optimistic, pragmatic, friendly.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: TGI Fridays, The Fish House.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Mount Magazine and our cabin.
Favorite quote: “If it is to be, it is up to me.”
What do you love about living in the 501: Friendly, courteous people.
Them
How we met: Booneville High School.
The proposal: "Let’s go buy a ring."
Wedding bells: July 3, 1960, First Methodist Church in Booneville.
Family: Children – John Tate of Conway and Carla Norris of Chesterfield, Va. Grandchildren – Austin Tate, Michael Tate, Wes Norris and Shelby Norris.
Family activities enjoyed together: Anything involving our children or grandchildren; our annual Thanksgiving dinner at our cabin for all our family; and vacation at Captiva Island, Fla., with our children and their families.
Mary Tate
City: Conway.
Native of: Fordyce.
Where did you grow up: Rison.
Education: Rison High School; Central Baptist College (freshman year); B.S.E. from University of Central Arkansas.
Job: Conway Public School District – Carl Stuart Middle School.
Parents: John and Linda Reed of Rison.
Community activities: I volunteer for and assist with multiple non-profit organizations and local charities.
Church activities: Attend First United Methodist Church of Conway.
Hobbies/special interests: Outdoor adventures, singing, walking and spending time with family and friends.
How would you describe yourself: Caring,
organized and creative.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: Toad Suck Buck’s.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: We travel a great deal for sports. Therefore, I really enjoy spending time at home or at our log cabin in the woods.
Favorite quote: “Your need is your responsibility!”
What do you love about living in the 501: I love the people and the outdoor options that are available in the 501!
John Tate
City: Conway
Native of: Conway.
Education: Conway High School; B.S.E. from the University of Central Arkansas.
Job: Agent at Shelter Insurance Company.
Parents: Fred and Valera Tate of Conway.
Community activities: Conway Youth Baseball board member and treasurer. I have served in the Arkansas National Guard for 29 years and have volunteered to conduct Veterans Day ceremonies, flag retirements and discussions on patriotism.
Church activities: Member of First United Methodist Church.
Hobbies/special interests: Watching our boys play sports, hunting, fishing, photography and listening to my wife sing.
How would you describe yourself: Straight shooter, loyal and detail oriented.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: Toad Suck Buck’s.
Favorite quote: “Excuses only satisfy those who make them.” – from my sixth-grade teacher, Ms. Mattison.
What do you love about living in the 501: Opportunities abound in the 501; it is the perfect pace and lifestyle with people that are friendly and down to earth.
Them
How we met: College fraternity/sorority mixer.
The proposal: The proposal plan was ruined because Mary changed the dinner plans. So, the engagement ring was given as a surprise birthday gift!
Wedding bells: Feb. 20, 1993, at First United Methodist Church in Conway.
Children: Austin and Michael.
Pets: Love ‘em, but don’t have any.
Family activities enjoyed together: Sports of all kinds and hunting and fishing
Other information: We have great examples to follow — both our parents have been married more than 50 years.
