Kenneth Tate, 86, passed away on Saturday morning, February 22, 2025, at Dominion Senior Living in Richmond.
Born on December 15, 1938, in Kingston in Madison County to the late Dillard and Rhoda Peters Tate. Kenneth was raised on the family farm working alongside his Dad. He often quoted the philosophical sayings his dad used while working later in life. His love of basketball began at an early age. When he started junior high at Central and practices were scheduled on the weekends, he rode his bicycle 8 miles to get there. When consolidation took place in 1955, Central became Madison Central and Kenneth was worried about all the good players coming in from other high schools. He was afraid he would lose his place on the team. That never happened and the team was stronger and better than ever.
His senior year, he set the school record for a single game. Several years later, his son Chad also claimed that record. He graduated in the class of 1957 with a full basketball scholarship to EKU. He had a successful basketball season his freshman year, until baseball season started. He slid into base, tore ligaments in both legs, and the doctor said no more basketball. With this news, Kenneth decided not to go back to school.
He began working for the state highway department, then Square D, and was in the Kentucky National Guard from 1961-1966. During this time, he realized that his dream of being a basketball coach was not dead, and he decided to go back for his degree, graduating in 1965. His career began that same year as PE teacher at White Hall Elementary. He resigned to take the assistant basketball coaching position at Madison High School under Coach Ray Vencill. He served there until 1969, when he left to become head coach at James A. Cawood High School in Harlan County. The following year, he returned to Madison to fill the head coaching position through 1977.
Kenneth then tried his hand as a storekeeper and bought the Richmond Sporting Goods store. When he realized the life of a businessman was not for him, the store closed and he became the PE teacher at Kingston Elementary, where he stayed for 17 years. He finished his career with Madison County as the Migrant Advocate for middle and high schools, retiring in 2001. Kenneth had a God given gift of rapport and building relationships with children of all ages. The legacy he leaves behind through coaching and teaching is immeasurable.
During this journey, the love of his life was with him every step of the way. Kenneth married Danella Sasser in 1960. During their 64 years together, they had one son, Chad, who was their greatest joy. In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his son, Chad Tate, his brother Doug Tate, and sisters, Barbara Story and Paula McHargue.
Kenneth is survived by his wife Danella, his daughter-in-law Mary Carole Tate, his sister Carol Tipton, his brother-in-law and best friend Butch Tipton, his brother-in-law Richard McHargue, his nephew Mike Story (Wilma), and his nieces Tammy Alexander, Marsha Tharpe (John), Wendy Stephenson (John) and Alison Fox (Dwayne). Kenneth was also the proud Papaw to all of his “little varmints.”
Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Eastside Community Church. Burial will follow at Madison Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Eastside Community Church.
Pallbearers will be Robert Brooks, Aiken Turpin, Eugene Estill, Hubert Broaddus, Emmitt Igo, Mike Story, Darrell Tate, and Ray Himes.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Hugh David and Gloria Cain, Edna Igo, Valerie Himes, Patty and Denton Ping, Judy Brown, Betty Vencill, Stanley Miller, Chris and Kathy Cornett, Frank Skipworth, Steve Sims, George Barger, and his Madison High and James A. Cawood basketball and baseball teams.
The family would like to thank the staff at Dominion Senior Living of Richmond, for caring for Kenneth with such love, compassion, and patience.
The Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home, 328 West Main Street, is in charge of the arrangements.
