Alvie F. Tate

June 10, 1923 - September 21, 2019

Alvie F. Tate, age 96 passed away September 21, 2019. Alvie was born in Bagley, Alabama on June 10, 1923 to Garland Nelous and Mable Harper Tate. He graduated from Corner High School. He married the love of his life Ivadell Mitchell, and they were married 72 years. Alvie served in the US Army during World War II with an Anti-Aircraft Battalion. He fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima and proudly witnessed the raising of the U.S. flag in victory on top of Mount Suribachi. After the war, he worked for the US Postal Service for over 40 years. Alvie served his church and his community. He served for over 50 years as an Elder of the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham where he taught Bible and singing classes. He coached youth baseball and led his team to win the National Dixie Youth Tournament in Florence , SC in 1965. Two of his players, including his son Freddie Tate signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. He coached girls' softball and twice led his team to the Softball World Series. His daughter Debra Cook was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame. He was predeceased in death by his parents, 4 brothers, his wife Ivadell, and one grandson, Jeremy Cook. He is survived by his three children Linda Fletcher(Jimmy), Freddie Tate(Theresa) and Debra Cook(Billy); five grandchildren Kendra Fletcher Tucker and Melanie Fletcher Levesque(Ryan); Jarrett Tate(Christal) and Mandy Tate Iffland(Zack); Billy Cook, Jr.(Leslie); and 9 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Gardendale Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 24th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A Graveside service with Military Honors will follow at Moncrief Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Just Keep Smiling, PO Box 1565, Gardendale, AL 35071 or justkeepsmiling.org.