Obituary

Percy Tate

January 30, 1968 — September 16, 2026

Percy Tate was born January 30, 1968 in Bogalusa, Louisiana to Wilma Martin Tate and the late Joe L. Simmons. He departed this life on September 16, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him dearly.

Percy joined Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and later graduated from Mt. Hermon High School. A hardworking man from a young age, Percy earned his Commercial Driver’s License while still a young man and made driving his lifelong career. In 2007, he began working as a driver for AM Waste, where he dedicated many years of service.

To know Percy was to know his personality. He was lively, outgoing, funny, and truly the life of the party. He loved good music, good times, and most of all, making people laugh. Percy had a way of bringing energy wherever he went, and his presence was never easily missed. In his younger years, he also enjoyed riding motorcycles, which suited the free-spirited side of him perfectly.

Behind that big personality was a man who believed in working hard and providing for the people he loved. Percy’s laughter, stories, sense of humor, and unforgettable spirit are the things his family and friends will carry with them for years to come.

Percy leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother, Wilma Martin Tate; his children, Phillip Burris, Demareo Tate, Chalsea Tate, and Baleigh White; his grandchildren, Demareo Tate Jr., Mason Tate, Aiyana Burris, and Liliana Burris; and his siblings, Elvetta (Kenneth) Brumfield, Randy Tate, Micheal Tate, Mercedes Daniels, Tiffany Tate, Arnolia Simmons, and Sophia Simmons.

He also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and coworkers to cherish his memory.

Percy was preceded in death by his father, Joe L. Simmons, and his brother, Joel Simmons.

Although his time with us was not long enough, Percy gave us plenty to remember. The music he loved, the laughter he brought, the stories we will continue to tell, and the memories we made with him will keep a part of Percy with us always.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 12:00PM - 2:00PM followed by the funeral service at 2:00PM at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 2063 Shady Grove Road, Osyka, MS 39657 with Pastor Elton McEwen -Officiating. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home - Franklinton are in charge of arrangements.