Roderick Bernard Tate passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 2, 2022 surrounded by family, after a 2-year battle with prostate cancer. Rod was born on September 18, 1959 to the late Clark Tate, Jr. and the late Minnie Ruth Woods Tate. Rod grew up in Durham, North Carolina where he attended the Durham public schools. He was active in baseball and basketball while growing up and proudly displayed his trophies. Rod attended Durham High School where he was active in the Spanish club.

After graduating high school in 1977, Rod attended North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. He was a member of Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity and the National Association of Black Accountants. Rod graduated from NCCU in 1981 with a Bachelors of Business Administration Degree in Accounting.

Rod worked in the finance field for over 33 years. Immediately after college, he joined Coopers & Lybrand Accounting firm in Boston, MA. Rod joined E.I. DuPont in 1983 at Savannah River Plant in Aiken, SC and remained employed by the company until his retirement in 2014. He worked in numerous financial positions during his years of employment there: Auditor, banking, credit, manager of business services, Six Sigma black belt, VP of Finance DuPont Mexico and Finance Director of Corporate Functions.

Rod met his wife, Sheryl Selby, in 1984 when they both worked at Savannah River Plant. They were married in 1987 and from this union a son was born, Tyler Ross Tate.

Rod enjoyed traveling, attending sporting events and spending time with family. He was an avid sports fan: Philadelphia Eagles season ticket holder for over 20 years, US Open tennis tournaments, Olympic Games in 1996 and 2012, numerous golf tournaments and track and field meets, including those in which his son competed. His travel took him to over 30 countries with his favorite trips being to South Africa and Bora Bora in French Polynesia.

Rod was proceeded in death by his parents, Clark Tate, Jr. and Minnie Ruth Woods Tate and a sister Linda Suiter.

Rod leaves behind the following to celebrate his life, wife Sheryl Selby Tate; son Tyler Ross Tate; brothers: Clark Gregory Tate III, William (Juliette) Tate, Vernell (Juliette) Tate; sister Charlotte Ann Ferebee; his special cousin Portia Woods and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

The family of Roderick Bernard Tate expresses their sincere appreciation and gratitude for the loving expressions of condolences during their time of bereavement.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roderick's memory to The Prostate Cancer Foundation: www.pcf.org/rodtate.