Melba Runyans Tate

Melba Runyans Tate of Union, SC went to be with her Savior on Sunday January 2, 2022.  Born February 1, 1923 in Shelby, NC, she was the daughter of Adolphus Craig Runyans and Estelle Benoy Runyans.  She worked for the Union County School System for 25 years at Foster Park Elementary School; she loved her work, the administrators, faculty, staff, and children.  She enjoyed playing bridge once a week for over 40 years.  Mrs. Tate was thrilled to cheer on her forever team, the Atlanta Braves, to a 2021 World Series victory.  Her family was her heart, and she loved every minute with them celebrating birthdays, holidays, and accomplishments.  She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church where she served her Lord and His children for 63 years.

Mrs. Tate was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Billy Ray Tate and her twin brothers, Daniel Stanley Runyans and wife Marge and Joseph Manley Runyans and wife Frances.  She is also survived by her son Brad Tate and her daughter Jan Thompson and husband Ralph of Union.  She is also survived by her grandchildren Josh Thompson and wife Beth of Spartanburg, SC, and Betsy Perrow and husband Stewart of Saint Matthews, SC, as well as four great-grandchildren, Caleb Thompson, Tate Thompson, Ellie Perrow, and Anna Moss Perrow.  She is also survived by a dear nephew, Terry Tate and two dear nieces, Carla T. Winchester and Tonya Leon.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Union Memorial Gardens, 1720 Whitmire Hwy., Union, SC, conducted by Pastor Robbie Stollger.  Visitation will follow the service at the cemetery.  The family will be at the home of her daughter at 107 Eastwood Avenue. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 405 East Main Street, Union, SC 29379.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melba Runyans Tate, please visit our floral store.