Martin Dreibelbis Tate age 93, of Bland, passed away Friday June 23, 2017.  He was born in Pine Grove Mills, PA on June 25, 1923 to the late Fred B. and Mary Dreibelbis Tate.  Martin was a veteran of the United States Army having served during WWII; he also served on the Bland County Planning Commission for several years. In his younger years Martin was an avid grouse and pheasant hunter.  In his later years he enjoyed crow hunting much to the liking of the land owners in surrounding counties.  Martin's pleasure was working the land with his brother and father in the early years; he later enjoyed that same pleasure with his sons and grandchildren.  He leaves a legacy behind of having built Hill Dairy Inc. from its humble beginnings to what it is today.  His greatest love and source of pride was his family.   He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Clark Tate; Brother Fred B. Tate, JR and Lee B. Tate; Sister Mary Ann Tate Blasosky.

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Hal and Brenda Tate of Bland; Glen and Janet Tate Laurel Fork; James and Vicki Tate of Bland; 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; two sisters Joyce Dewilde of Wytheville; Dorothy Tate of Wytheville; brother, Jack Tate of Bland.

Memorial service will be held 7 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2017 at the Highlands Bland Funeral Chapel with Pastor Kevin Richardson officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until the time of the service Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Bland County Fire Dept. or Bland County Rescue Squad.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at:  www.highlandfuneralservice.com

Highland Bland Funeral Chapel, Bland, VA is serving the Tate family.