Leonard Troy Tate was born August 17, 1964 to the Late Essie B. Tate and Beatrice Nicholson Tate. He accepted Jesus Christ at an early age, joining Drake Hill United Methodist Church where he was a dedicated member.

Leonard was educated in the Noxubee County School District. Leonard went on to graduate from Mary Holmes Junior College and attended Jackson State University majoring in Business Management. Leonard medically retired as a Restaurant General Manager.

Leonard will be remembered as a wonderful brother, generous uncle, good friend, and great family member. Leonard had an adventurous and compassionate spirit to all those that knew him. He had an overwhelming love for all types of pets and animals. Some even believed he was a dog whisperer. Leonard enjoyed hobbies such as: fishing, gardening, cooking, and tending to his plum and pecan trees. He took great pride in his harvest. He shared the fruits of his labor whether it is vegetables, fish, plums and pecans.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents Essie B. Tate and Beatrice Nicholson. Tate, his sisters: Jacqueline Linear Tate and Jeannette Slaughter; two brothers, former Judge John Kennedy Tate and Willie James Tate.

He leaves to cherish his memories: sisters, Earnestine Brown (Rodney Brown) of Roanoke, Virginia, Yolanda Tate Doss of Birmingham, AL, Thermona Trotman  (Daryl Trotman), Georgia M. Jones both Powder Springs, GA; brothers, Essie D. Tate (Brenda Rice), Bobby Charles Tate (Lillie Slaugther), Eddie Wells (Doris Wells) of Columbus, MS; and host of nieces, nephews, and family.