Eufaula native killed in Cincinnati

By Tiffiny Woo

Published: June 26, 2008

He had a “passion for fashion” and a fun-loving personality.
Always well-dressed, Cedric Tate was quick to smile, slow to judge and easy to love. But above all, he was proud to be called a Tate.
“He was my big brother,” said Cedric’s sister, Tangela Tate. “But he was more like a best friend.”
Cedric, the 33-year-old son of Fred and Rosie Tate of Eufaula, was found shot dead Sunday morning in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he resided.
Cedric spent the weekend with his parents who were visiting family in Cincinnati. Tangela said the police believe he was shot soon after leaving his aunt’s house where the family had gathered three blocks away from where he was found.
According to his sister, Cedric was found dead in the road near his vehicle. The door to the vehicle was open, and police believe his death was the result of a robbery.
Tangela received the news of Cedric’s death by phone Sunday morning. She was just waking up when a family member called with the news. 
“It’s something to wake up like that,” she said. “To find out that your only and oldest brother was killed-that someone took him away for no apparent reason.”
Cedric grew up in the Bluff City and graduated from Eufaula High School in 1994. He then attended Southern Union Community College in Opelika before moving to Cincinnati, where his family is from originally.
After relocating, Cedric joined the United States Air Force and served for three years before returning to Cincinnati to become a lab technician at a local hospital.
Despite living so far away, Tangela said Cedric was always close with his family, especially to her and her twin sister, Angela.
“Ann has two little girls and I have a son,” said Tangela. “Cedric didn’t have a wife or children, but he treated our kids like they were his own.”
The doting uncle, he had special nicknames for each of his nieces and nephews. “Bokey Moke” was the name coined by Uncle Cedric for Tangela’s 2-year-old son Daniel.
Angela’s daughters, 5-year-old Shaniya and 2-year-old Kyrie, were called “Missy Pooh” and “Gucci.”
Cedric visited his family whenever he could, and was in Eufaula Memorial Day weekend.
“He was never ashamed to tell people he loved them,” said Tangela. “He was never ashamed of his faith, always attending church and talking about God.”
“He was my confidant,” said Tangela. “Cedric was always going to give it to me real. He always wanted the best for me in relationships and with my son. He gave me his unconditional acceptance and love.”
Following a memorial service in Cincinnati, Cedric’s parents will be bringing his body back to Eufaula for burial. Time and locations for the funeral are still undetermined.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, Tangela said, “Love your family and friends because you never know what will happen tomorrow.”
“Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I love you.’”