Gary A. Tate, 89, of Midland, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, February 27, 2014 in Midland. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 2, 2014 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 3, 2014 at 10:00AM at Golf Course Road Church of Christ in Midland. Interment will be held at Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring, Texas.Gary was born December 30, 1924 in Coahoma, Texas to Alvah and Jessie Tate. Gary served in the US Army from 1943-1945 in the China-Burma-India Theatre of World War II. He married Connie Drake on May 25, 1946 in Abilene, Texas. He worked for Texas and Pacific Railroad and later started a new career with AFLAC Insurance.He was an elder at Golf Course Road Church of Christ (GCR) for 28 years. He was a member of the Missionary Committee and served passionately to help the people of India as a result of his time spent there in the war. He became a man focused on changing the plight of the children who faced unspeakable living conditions. Gary raised funds to help the missions supported by GCR and other organizations: to purchase land, build churches, build three schools, and construct a dormitory to house children who have been rescued from trafficking and/or tragic situations. He changed the direction of many children's lives.Gary is survived by his wife of 67 years, Connie Tate; son Jerry Tate and his wife Sarita; son, Steve Tate; grandchildren, Sara and her husband Mike Connors; Leslie Gilman, Jeremy Tate and his wife Erin; Heidi Taylor, Heather Tate, Hunter Tate, and Heston Tate, and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers and two sisters.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be donated to Golf Course Road Church of Christ, NE India Missions, 3500 West Golf Course Road, Midland, Texas 79703.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,
