Charles Martel Tate

Charles Martel Tate

Charles Martel Tate was born in Pennington, Arkansas on August 12, 1940. Martel passed away on September 30, 2026 in his home in Searcy, Arkansas, surrounded by his loved ones at the age of 86.

Martel was raised in Pennington, where he attended Newport High School and played football and baseball and graduated. He attended the Baptist Church at Amagan, where he was a deacon. After he graduated, he had a brief stint as a real estate agent until he decided to take over some land and began Farming. Martel also served in the Army National Guard as well as the Rice Food Board and the Farmer Co-op.

Papaw, as he was affectionately called by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was a man who was larger than life. His job was to grow and nurture. He grew crops, fish, cattle, chickens, pigs, and even emus. Most importantly, he grew his family. He was the foundation for this family and supported everyone even after he drew his last breath.

Martel Tate was a family man through and through. He had devoted his life to protecting, teaching, and passing on everything he learned. He always pushed his children and grandchildren to be the best they could be and to love one another. He could always find the good in someone and give them a chance.

Martel was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Tate, father C.E. Tate, and brother Donald Tate.

He is survived by his life-long partner Sybil Davis, daughter Pamela Tate, son Mark Tate, granddaughter Heather Douglass (Andy), grandson Logan Tate, grandson Boddy Clause (McKayla), grandson Connor Tate (Shelbi), grandson Tate Stone (Mikah) and grandson Coby Stone (Amber). He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Camryn, Zane, Maverick, River, Briar, Cade, Travis, and Charley.

Visitation will be at Searcy McEuen Funeral Home Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m.