How can a man's life be reduced to 500 words? Even another 500 words could not do it. We all have bookends to our lives, our birth and death, and milestones in between like marriage, the birth of our children, school, and our work. It is all the in-betweens to those singular moments that describes the man. The moments as a son, a brother, a friend, a sportsman, a husband, and a father. These interactions tell the full story of a man, the ones that memorialize him. However, for the purpose of pen and paper here are some of the most significant singular moments for Thomas Michael Tate. Mike died unexpectedly on Jan 16, 2021 in Hendersonville, NC. He was born in 1947 in Japan to the late James Harold Tate and Alice Beverly Mitchell. They brought him home to the mountains of WNC where a life-long love of the area began. As a young boy his family moved to Florida where scouting became the perfect outlet for his love of exploring. He earned his Eagle Scout rank and had the distinction of being the youngest boy in the State of Florida to do so at the time. After graduating from High School in Jackson, AL he spent a few years at Auburn University becoming a loyal "War Eagle" fan for the rest of his life. In 1972, at the tender age of 25, Mike was the Vice President of construction for REALTEC at Connestee Falls Development just outside of Brevard, NC. He was in charge of building the 52 miles of paved roads, 4 lakes and massive dams, a championship golf course and club house, as well as being in charge of the engineering company and surveying company that laid out the hundreds of homesites to sell. He subsequently formed Western Carolina Construction Co. and built many fine custom homes in the area. Both of these jobs were the perfect segue into the career that would last until his retirement in 2006 from Jacobs Engineering as VP and General Manager of the Charleston SC Division. Mike enjoyed numerous hobbies such as fishing, golfing, exploring the areas he lived in, birdwatching, WWII History, and reading. He especially loved any opportunity that he could spend on the water or enjoy a seafood feast. He was also a great lover of space exploration and the night sky. He continually bemoaned the fact that he was born in the wrong generation. He was always in wonder of what his grandchildren had to look forward regarding space travel. After retiring Mike only had more time for his hobbies and put his extensive experience in construction to use by volunteering for the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Of all of his accomplishments he was most proud of his three grown daughters and enjoyed most a busy, noisy household as a result of their visits. In 1995 Mike was proceeded in death by his wife Catherine Weedman, the mother of his three daughters, Kim, Stephanie, and Morgan. Mike is survived by his partner Julie, as well as his daughter's, their families, and his numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. He will be sorely missed!! Mike will be buried at Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory in Brevard NC on Saturday, the 23rd, at a private graveside service. Pallbearers will be nephews Courtney, Brad, and Kasey Tate, as well as Chris Reese, Josh Vaughan, and Daniel Rice. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike's memory to Flat Rock Park, Flat Rock, NC. Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com. Moody-Connolly Funeral Home is caring for the family.