Obituary of Rodney James ""Ram"" Tate

Rodney James Tate, Sr., "Ram" passed away at the age of 55 peacefully at home on April 11, 2015. He was born in Lodi, California on February 23, 1960. Rodney was known as "Ram" to family and friends. In 1973 he fell in love with Vickie Etchison, who became his wife in 1978. They had three children, and a life filled with love and joy. Rodney graduated in the class of 1978 from Lodi High School; upon graduating he worked for Stockton Steel for many years, until he started working for General Mills. He worked 20+ years at General Mills as a processor in the mixing plant. He received many great achievements working at this company, one being chairman of the safety committee, and retired from General Mills. Ram was always busy even though he was retired. He loved to tinker in his garage, listen to old rock, and fix cars. He was very much involved with family and friends. He loved taking his wife out on the Harley or just riding alone. He always looked forward to the Sunday BBQ with his family. Ram was the youngest of four children born to Kenneth and Loretta Tate. He was preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife, Vickie Tate of 36 years; three siblings, Kenneth Tate Jr., John Tate, and Kendra Henderson; and his daughters, Sarha Tate, Kimberly Tate; and son, Rodney Tate Jr. He has six grandchildren; Sabrina, William, Victoria, Odin, Weston, and Wyatt; and great-grandson, Caleb. A message from your wife, "I Love you with all of my heart. You made life meaningful. You are my best friend and my husband. I will always be your wife. Until we meet again on the other side, just know that you are loved, and you will never be forgotten. Together always." Visitation will be Saturday, April 18, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Lodi Funeral Home. A chapel service will be held on Monday, April 20, at 10:00 a.m., at Lodi Funeral Home. Committal will follow at Cherokee Memorial Park.