William (Bill) Tate Sr., 84, of Rockford passed away peacefully Friday evening, Aug 24, in his home with family by his side. He was born Aug 18, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Ira and Wanda (Goostree) Tate. Bill married Catherine (Katie Logan) in East St. Louis, Illinois on June 25, 1946 upon his return from WWII. He attended schools in St. Louis and joined the United States Maritime Service, US Coast Guard in 1944, quietly celebrating his 16th birthday in Boot camp training at Sheepshead Bay, New York. After sailing on numerous Victory Class ships, he was finally assigned to the SS Georgetown Victory. While carrying British Troops from Sydney to Glasgow for demobilization, the ship crashed into the rocks off Killard Point, twenty miles south of Belfast during stormy weather. Bill transferred many men from ship to shore on his assigned lifeboat. The Georgetown Victory crew were released on May 1, 1946 at Killery Bay and Bill returned to the United States, this time as a passenger on a Victory ship, finally arriving home in St. Louis mid-May, 1946. Bill and Katie moved to Belvidere in September of 1946 where Bill was employed by the National Sewing Machine Company until its closing. Then in 1953, Bill became a truck salesman for Wolf Chevrolet in Belvidere, then Used Car Manager, and then General Sales Manager for many years until his retirement. Bill sold cars for over fifty years at Wolf Chevrolet and several years after retirement as a buyer at Jack Wolf's Cadillac dealership. He always worked hard to meet his self-imposed sales goals as evident by Chevrolet's recognition of Bill to the Legion of Leaders and Society of Sales Executives. He was an avid bowler, hunter, and fisherman. Bill was a lifetime member of the Bel-Stone Fishing Club, serving as treasurer on the board of directors for many years. He had many wonderful stories to tell about his Canadian, Wyoming, Alaska, and Africa hunting and fishing trips, as well as stories coming right out of Boone County. Bill was a life member of Belvidere VFW Post 1461. He was a member of Belvidere Moose Lodge #295. Bill was a Life member of Belvidere Masonic Lodge #60 and raised as a Master Mason in 1969. He served as Worshipful Master of the lodge for many years. Member of Freeport Consistory and M.S.A. and Tebala Shrine. Member of Past Masters Club. Served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 3rd Northern District from 1993 to 1994. During this period, he was granted honorary memberships in each of the nine Lodges within his District including Loves Park #1145, Star in the East #166, Rockford #102 and EFW Ellis #633. He received the Meritorious Certificate from Belvidere Lodge #60 in recognition of his service and personal contributions of time and effort to Masonic ideals in general and to his home lodge in particular. He was honored with appreciation and recognition in the Rockford High Twelve Club. He was extremely proud of his yard and flowers, showing all who visited what's new in his garden. Bill will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Survivors include his wife of 66 years; daughter Barbara (Bob) Trapp of St. Petersburg Florida, son Bill (Patti) of Cherry Valley; Grandchildren Tami, Lyndi (Geoff), Katie (Terry), Jamie, Ben, Bernie, Barrett, Sara (David) and Ashley (Dave); Great-grandchildren Jessica, Shawn Paul (Ashley), Billy (Hannah), Bobby, Arcadia, Jake and Cameron; Great great-grandchildren Anna Catherine and Dexter; Sisters Romaine and Marcella Ann. Predeceased by Parents; Daughter Beverly; two infant sons; Sister Lela and Brothers Roger and Jim and Great-grandson Timothy. The family would like to thank Bill's caregivers at the Madison VA Hospital, especially his 'Angels' Mary, Lisa, and Tamara; his caregivers at Swedish American Hospital; and Heartland Hospice for not only the care given Bill, but for their kindness to Bill's family.

Memorials in Bill's name will be given to the Shriner's Children Hospital and Wounded Warrior Project.