Christopher Gwynn (Chris) Tate

Christopher Gwynn “Chris” Tate, 49, of High Point, NC, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Chris was born on January 1, 1977, in Guilford County to Larry Stephens Tate and Kathy Annette Dabbs Tate.

Chris lived a life that proved people wrong.

To some, he was misunderstood. To others, underestimated. But to those who truly knew him, his family, his children, and the people lucky enough to walk beside him, he was resilient, fiercely loyal, and full of heart. Chris didn’t just talk about change, he did the hard work to become it.

He earned his degree in civil engineering from Davidson County Community College and built a life he was proud of, owning and operating KERF Lawn & Tree Services for over 15 years. He created something lasting; not just a business, but a legacy of determination, grit, and independence.

Chris loved deeply and lived fully.

He found peace at his beach home along the North Carolina coast and cherished time spent in Corolla in the Outer Banks with his entire extended family. Some of his happiest moments were deep sea fishing, out on the water with his son, his nephew, and close friends, where stories were told, laughter was loud, and time seemed to stand still.

He was a man of faith who loved the Lord and believed in second chances, not just for himself, but for others. Chris was known for reaching out a hand to those who had lost their way, reminding them they weren’t alone.

He had a sharp sense of humor and a playful spirit. A natural jokester, Chris could make anyone laugh and never missed a chance to pull off a well-timed practical joke. He was competitive to his core, whether it was cards, games, or anything involving family, he was in it to win it.

Chris had a soft spot for the overlooked and the forgotten. He loved antiques and vintage toys, finding beauty and value where others didn’t. That same heart showed in the way he cared for animals, rescuing abandoned baby squirrels, reuniting lost pets with their owners, and loving his faithful dog, Millie, like family.

Above all else, Chris loved his children and his family with everything he had.

He is survived by his son, Christian Stephens Tate (Ashlyn Collis); his daughter, Makenna Christine Tate; his parents, Larry and Kathy Tate; his sister, Kerri Tate Palmer and her husband, Cale Palmer; his niece, Bailey Taylor; his nephew, Cpl. Nicholas Chance Grogan; his great-niece, Emersyn Tate Williams; and close friends, Natosha and Brent Sanders.

Chris’s life cannot be summed up by another’s words who never truly knew him. His story is one of growth, redemption, laughter, love, and unwavering devotion to the people who mattered most.

And if you knew Chris, you already know, he’d probably leave you with a grin, a joke, and that signature gesture that said everything without saying a word.

Private family memorial services will be held.

Online condolences may be sent to www.jcgreenandsons.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.