James Ray Tate

Mr. James Raye "J.R." Tate of Hazel Green passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

He was a lifelong resident of Hazel Green, where he grew up and graduated from Hazel Green High School. He was a fan of the Atlanta Braves and University of Alabama sports, he loved a good game of Rook, fishing, and was a huge fan of old western movies.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James B. and Ellen Tate; his brother, Foster Wayne "Butch" Tate; his daughters, Kara Padilla and Rina Padilla; his grandsons, James Kruft and Matthew Madden.

Surviving family members include his wife, Shirley Tate; his son and daughter-in-law, Larry & Connie Tate; his daughters, Susan Tate and Tina Padilla; his grandchildren: Allen (Julie) Tate and Ashley (Kevin) Swaim, Kenneth (Shaydra Langham) Madden, and Carletta Flores. He is also survived by his 11 great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law, JoAnn Tate, and by nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:30am at Hazel Green Funeral Home. The family will begin receiving friends at 10am. Burial will follow and will be in Charity Cemetery.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.