Melvin G. Tate

Melvin Gene Tate, 89, of Corbin, KY passed away April 7, 2023. Melvin was born in Versailles, KY to Willie and Mae Tate on June 27, 1934.

He served honorably during the Korean War. After returning to Versailles, he married his longtime sweetheart Shirley Holland Tate.

The family moved to Corbin in 1962, where he leveraged his Army-learned talents in grinding lenses and opened Corbin Optical Company.

After his wife Shirley passed away, Melvin married Margie Chadwell in 1998 who was a very devoted wife.

Melvin was active in the church, as well as the community. He loved to attend his "Band of Brothers" Bible study group at Central Baptist Church, served as a Deacon and choir member for many years, and was most recently a member of Poplar Grove Baptist Church.

In his downtime, Melvin loved to watch the Cincinnati Reds and play golf.

He is survived by his children, Larry (wife Linda Tate), Connie (husband Mark Wilson), and Jamie (husband David Chrisman), his niece Vickie Tate, as well as seven grandchildren and one step-grandchild, five great-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren, and a host of friends and loved ones who mourn his passing.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents Willie and Mae, and his brother Wallace and nephew Glen.

There will be a memorial service at 1 p.m. presided by Rev. Bobby Joe Eaton and Rev. Josh Pollitt held on April 23 at Central Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be sent to:

Street Hope, TN, 7709 Ewing Road, Powell, TN 37849

Poplar Grove, 2322 N KY 830, Corbin, KY 40701

Central Baptist Church, 201 W 4th Street, Corbin, KY 40701

Corbin Senior Citizen Center, 409 Barbourville St., Corbin, KY 40701

Arrangements by Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where Messages to them may be written to the family at www.vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com