Willie C. Tate Sr., was born in Akron Ohio on February 17, 1972 to Nona Tate and the late Willie Shepherd.  WC received his heavenly wings peacefully on Monday June 14, 2021 at the age of 49.  He was a proud graduate of John R. Buchtel High School. He enjoyed spending quality time with family, watch Sci-Fi movies, football, and he loved his cars.  He was very dedicated hardworking and strong willed. WC strived for only the best for his family and because of that, we are truly blessed, and we thank him from the bottom of our heart.

He was preceded in death by his father Willie Shepherd, son Raymond Grundy, and his late girlfriend Gwen Wheeler.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his mother Nona Tate, mother of his three sons Khadija Spaulding, sons; Willie Jr., Jovon, DeMarlo Tate, and Chester Grundy, daughter; Jasha Walker, grandchildren; Ahmya, Ava, Bailey, Tymoi, and grandson Elijah; all of Akron Ohio. Siblings; Ronald "RT" Tate, Constance Shepherd-Guyton, Vanessa Shepherd-Williams, Bernadine Shepherd-Swain, Dorothy Cheatum, and Lamar Hardy.  Favorite Aunt Ann (Donald)Hawkins, Uncle James Crawford, Big sister cousin Star Walters, and cousins raised as siblings James (Carmen) Crawford, Lisa (William) Phillips. Special nephew cousin Garryson Merritt. Special brothers from another Mother Joe (Toni) Anthony, Morgan (Stephanie) Brady, and Ahmad (Tori) Spaulding. A host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends.