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Funeral services for Rev. Thomas L. Teate of Vienna were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2019 in the chapel of Rainey Family Funeral Services with Rev. Jimmy Sharp and Rev. Tommy Mason officiating. Bonita Turton provided the music. A pre-recored song, “Hold Me Jesus” was played. Granddaughter Brenley Gunter, accompanied by John Teate, sang “In The Garden.” The congregation, led by John Hibberd, sang “It Is Well” and “When We All Get To Heaven.” Pallbearers were David Morgan, Gerald Mixon, John Hibberd, Mickey Gilbert, Billy Lightner, Jimmy Harrison, Charles Harrison and Chipper Jones.

Tom went home to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family, on Friday, October 18, 2019 at his residence. He was born in Sumter County and was the son of the late John Esbun Teate and Mary Jane Fenn Teate. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane Sangster. Tom was a minister and worked for AgGeorgia Farm Credit. He served several churches in his 34 years in the ministry. Those charges included his first church, Hatley United Methodist, Elko, Snow, Grovania and Henderson United Methodist, Hopewell and Concord United Methodist in Ellaville, Unadilla and Pinehurst United Methodist.  He most recently served at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where he pastored for 3 years. Tom was an avid fisherman and loved hiking the Great Smoky Mountains. He enjoyed target shooting and John Wayne movies. He loved his cane patch and making cane syrup for friends, family and many others. His family was precious to him and came second only to God. His passion in life was going wherever God sent him and doing whatever He told him to do. A big part of that was visiting anyone in need.

Tom is survived by his wife of 46 years, Myra M. Teate of Vienna; three children, daughters Shelley T. Gunter (Brent) of Byron and Heather T. Bartlett (Trevor) of Vienna, and a son, John Thomas Teate (Audrey) of Americus; eight grandchildren, Elley Brooke Gunter, Brenley Grace Gunter, Sally Joelle Gunter, Addie Jewel Gunter, Joshua Lane Bartlett, Samuel Luke Bartlett, Mary Annalee Teate and Emmie Jane Teate; two sisters, Johnnie T. Williams and Laura T. Cheek, both of Americus. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Methodist Children’s Home, 100 Millcreek Road, #9207, Americus, GA 31709 or the Pregnancy Crisis Center, c/o Houston Baptist Association, 2116 N US 41, Cordele, GA, 31015.

Arrangements are by Rainey Family Funeral Services. An online guest register is available at www.raineyfuneral.com.