South Carolina native and local real estate developer Allen Tate has died.
H. Allen Tate Jr. was 84 when he passed away Monday.
Tate was CEO of the business he founded, Allen Tate Companies. His first real estate and insurance office opened at 112 S. Tryon St. and his professional presence grew from there. He worked in the business for six decades.
Because of his work in both real estate and in the community, even the final portion of I-485 was named H. Allen Tate Jr. Highway.
Tate's many accomplishments and service to the community were recognized through multiple honors and awards, including Carolinas' Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2007); Distinguished Scouting Citizen (2008); Order of the Long Leaf Pine (2008); N.C. Business Hall of Fame (2010); N.C. Housing Hall of Fame (2010); and Paul Harris Rotary Fellow (2012).
In 2010, he was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Queens University of Charlotte.
Gov. McCrory released this statement:
"I considered him a friend and mentor, who taught others the importance of making a difference in their community. Allen Tate's passion to improve his community led to better roads, infrastructure and opportunities for people throughout Charlotte and our state. As a leader in developing the I-485 beltline around Charlotte, it was an honor to join him in seeing this vision come to fruition at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the highway that bears his name. Ann and I are saddened to hear of his passing, but we are committed to honoring his legacy by working to prepare our state for future generations."
Bob Morgan of the Charlotte Chamber wrote:
"Allen Tate was a visionary who saw many of his dreams for Charlotte realized, while challenging us constantly with many more to fulfill. He was a business and civic leader with a passion for people, public policy and endless possibilities. His influence will be felt in our city and region for decades to come.Allen was a former chair of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. When cut, he bled chamber blood. I am grateful to have worked with him professionally and to have called him my friend and mentor for 25 years."
