James Anthony “Tony” Tate, age 75, peacefully transitioned to his final resting place on September 9, 2026, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. 

Tony was born on April 23, 1951, in Toledo, Ohio, to Luther and Lucille Tate. He attended Jesup W. Scott High School and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve beginning in 1971. He later worked as a machine operator at Chrysler Jeep in Toledo. 

Tony enjoyed working on classic cars with his oldest brother, Junior. He also loved reading Alex Cross novels, watching Western television shows and movies, and listening to his favorite country music artist, Garth Brooks. 

Tony was a loving and kindhearted man who was cherished by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. His family was his world, and he held a special place in his heart for the many children who affectionately called him “Granddaddy.” 

He was preceded in death by Dorothy Tyler; his parents, Luther and Lucille Tate; and his siblings, Luther Tate Jr., Donna Peters, Patricia Williams, Shirley Hunter, and Cupid Tate. 

Tony leaves to cherish his memory his brother, Leslie “Ricky” Tate; his children, Toiann Tyler of Toledo, Ohio, Tawanna (Damon) Murphy of Suwanee, Georgia, Afsanah Cunningham of Columbus, Ohio, Justin Tate of Austin, Texas, Terence (Marissa) Orlowski of Chicago, Illinois, and James Anthony “Tony” Tate-Smith of Toledo, Ohio; and his special friend, Terry Orlowski. 

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Elvis (Sheena) Tyler, Destiney Huggins, Demar “DJ” Huggins, Jamar “Bud” Huggins, Keytana Wilson, Montricie Reid, Kalisha Wilson, Javon Murphy, Isaiah Orlowski, Tarell Jones, James Jones, Semaj Smith, and James Smith. 

His great-grandchildren include Nakay’ia Tyler, Jaylin Tyler, Christopher Tyler, John McPherson III, Kensely Simpson, Kaliyah Reid, Chrishaun “CJ” Wallace Jr., Dasahni Boykin, Jamar “LJ” Huggins, Grace “Gracie” Huggins, JaSavion Huggins, Arianna Lampley, and Joseph Jones, along with a host of other loved ones who were near and dear to his heart and proudly called him “Granddaddy.” 

Loved beyond words. Remembered beyond measure.