Samuel D. Tate, III

Sam, fondly known as Bubba, passed away October 21, 2015 after a very brief stay in the hospital. Sam was born May 20, 1950 to Samuel David Tate Jr. and Ivy Sue Green Tate in San Antonio, Texas. Both preceded him in death. Sam accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Union Baptist Church in Galveston, Texas. He loved teaching bible classes especially to children. When teaching children, he would draw to illustrate Bible lessons. Each morning, he would read his Bible and ask his Lord, "What do you have for me today?" Sam graduated from Highlands High School and attended St. Philips later graduating from Southwest Texas State University, now known as Texas State University, with a bachelor of arts in Commercial Art. As a gifted sculptor, a large piece of his work still stands in front of the Arts Building on the campus. He continued his education by obtaining an Associate Degree in Homebuilding at San Antonio College leading to a teaching position at the school. Moving to Galveston, Texas, Sam worked as a Division Manager in Home Improvement at Sears for 9 years. Moving back home to San Antonio, Sam started his own business. Until he was called home, he worked renovating buildings and homes, his passion. His creative talents led him in his professional endeavors throughout his entire life. Sam was an avid fisherman. If you couldn't locate him, you could check Braunig or Calaveras Lake for his boat. If the weather was bad, check for him in his rain gear at Pecan Valley pond. He loved to motivate and inspire others. With many hours of sociology and psychology, he used his expertise to redirect behavior toward good. Even when on renovation jobs, you could find Sam giving out wisdom with his easy manner and quick wit. Sam is survived by two brothers: Dennis Ray Tate and Kenneth Lincoln Grissett and three sisters: Patricia (William) Paige, Marie Tate Darby, and Karen Lynn Grissett, his Aunt Jessie (Robert) Taylor, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. He will be missed and forever remembered.