Contributions to the tribute of Dorris Cleveland Tongate

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The family of Dorris Cleveland Tongate uploaded a photo

Thursday, February 22, 2018

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Saturday, March 5, 2011

Message from the family, Thanks to all friends at TVA Customer Service Group for the donations to keep this memorial alive for three years.

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Jerry Pritchett posted a condolence

Saturday, January 1, 2011

The year was 1965. The city was Cookeville, TN. The college was Tennessee Tech University. The location was the men's dorm, Matthews Hall. On the third floor. I had just checked in as a freshman and was told to go to the third floor of the men's dorm and select a room. I made my way up the stairs (no elevator). When I got to the top of the stairs, I approached the room directly across from the stairs. Two other freshman were already in the room talking. Because the dorms were crowded back then, and three students were to occupy a room, I asked the two fellow freshmen if the third spot in the room was taken. I was told to go on down the hall where there were totally vacant rooms available. That was my first encounter with D. C. Tongate. He was one of the two freshmen in that room. The other freshman was his soon to be long time roommate,Alan. During my time at Tennessee Tech, D.C. and I would cross paths, having some joint classes together (he was a Physics major, myself Electrical Engineering). In later years, we would both graduate and begin work at the Tennessee Valley Authority. That would make it around 1969-70. I would work in Chattanaooga, TN; D.C. would be in Knoxville. It would be 1980 before our paths would cross again at TVA. In Cleveland, TN upon the opening of a new TVA District Office. D.C. would be in the Commercial & Industrial group. I would be a District Engineer. Over the next six years or so in the Cleveland office, D.C. and I would get to know one another all over again. That district office then merged with another TVA office down the street and I was assigned to another TVA office at the Chickamauga service center. D.C. and others would later also move to the Chickamauga service center. Again as the years passed D.C. and I became acquainted even more. D.C. was always the one in the office who knew a little about some things and a lot about most everything else. He was very bright and knowledgeable and very willing to share his knowledge with anyone who needed help (and even some who didn't). He was very welcome at each power distributor's office and did much to advance TVA's reputation in the field of electrical power. I don't think I ever met anyone who didn't value D.C.'s knowledge and expertise. He was truly one of a kind. I was saddened when I first learned that D.C. had been diagnosed with cancer. I was even more saddened when I learned his condition had grown worse over the months and months of his treatments. It was especially painful to learn of his death. I had been out of touch with D.C. for over eight years. By then we were several hours from each other and many many miles apart distance-wise. I was in the Nashville area; D.C. was in the Chattanooga area. Its hard to accept his departure; especially by those who knew him well. To D.C.'s family and friends, I ask that you remember the good times you had with him. Before the cancer was found and its terrible effects began to take away D.C.'s physical strength and spirit. Remember the little things that will serve as a gentle reminder of D.C.'s past better times. Those things that were unique to him. How he overcame diversity and the permanent injury to his body from a motorcycle wreck in Hendersonville, TN. It was never used as an excuse by him to shy away from any task. His desire to always help others. His unique laugh. His unkempt hair. I'm sure you all have that special thing that will remind you of him in the days, weeks, months and even years to come. Cherish each and every memory of him. He was one of a kind. Nobody else like him. I know I'll always have memories that remind me of the times our paths crossed. Cancer may have taken his life, but not the memories of his friends.

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Edward Colucci posted a condolence

Saturday, January 1, 2011

This is just a short and a somewhat funny and enlightening story for me. I work with DC in the Cleveland office and had just come back to the office after a knee operation. I was on crutches, and was stumbling around the office having a difficult time of it all. Well DC passed by me and said, "How are you doing crip?". Referring to my crippled state of affairs. Well I was abit taken back and looked in his eyes and he was just smiling away. Then I remembered his arm and suddenly realized that it really wasn't all that bad. So I smiled back, and just went back to work. there wasn't much to say because it had all been said. So now I complain a little less in my life. We send our love to Carleen during this most difficult time, and I know I'm speaking for everyone. We love you Carleen.

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Sonny, Teresa, Kyle, And Matthew kinzalow posted a condolence

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Carlene and Ashlea, Our friendship has grown stronger through the years. It was meant for us to stay connected beyond our school years. It was such a wonderful feeling to meet again as neighbors. That was years ago, and now we are still connected through a special bond. My family will always treasure our time with your family, and especially D.C.. We will always be there for you and Ashlea. Both of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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Matt Kinzalow posted a condolence

Saturday, January 1, 2011

D.C was my tutor. He helped me with my Algebra. Without him I probably would not have passed the Algebra state test. He was so proud when I passed. He helped me the night before my test. Sometimes we just talked about video games and other things. I always thought he was Einstein. He was so super smart. I will miss him. We always went down stairs and played a video game on a big tv screen before I went home. I hope there are games in heaven. He will now have two hands and he will be tough to beat. Your friend Matt Kinzalow

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Paul Payne posted a condolence

Saturday, January 1, 2011

I'd like to share my funniest and most heart-warming story about my friend, D.C. D.C., Judy Mills and I were attending training in Knoxville and were in the buffet line at the Holiday Inn one night. We were at the end of the line and Judy says she had forgotten her silverware. Well, out of nowhere, D.C. reaches into his arm sling and pulls out a complete set of silverware and says. "Here, take mine". Talk about cracking us up!!! That is how I would like to remember my friend. D.C. was not only a good father, but a great Dad, but loved to teach as well. He will missed by many. Carlene, D.C. was always bragging on you and Ashley. Especially how well Ashley was doing in school. You were a great team!

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Creed Crowder posted a condolence

Saturday, January 1, 2011

I worked with D.C. in the SE District TVA office in Cleveland during the late 70s/early 80s. Admired him greatly for his "smarts," as well as his courage in persevering without the use of his right arm. He was a kind, generous person who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

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Linda Lackey posted a condolence

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Carlene -- I was so saddened to hear about D.C.'s passing. I really enjoyed our visit the first of December. I just wish I had come sooner. I had hoped to come again after Christmas but it didn't work out. I didn't really know D.C. until I transferred to Cleveland in 1994. Since that time, I felt like D.C. and I had become really good friends. D.C. and I would have these long talks (solve the world's problems) but his favorite subject was you. He was so crazy about you. When you feel like getting out, please join us retiree women for lunch. We would love for you to come. Our family has been going through some rough times too. I think I told you Michelle was expecting twins. On Christmas Eve, she was put in the hospital on bed rest trying to keep these babies in her a little longer. Luke and Asa were born on January 18th. Little Asa got an infection and passed away on February 3rd. His service was on February 6th. Little Luke is fighting an infection now. Please keep our family in your prayers too. I would have been at D.C.'s service if I hadn't been in Atlanta with my daughter. I have thought about you often and will keep you in my prayers during these difficult times and days ahead of you. Love Linda (Lackey)

Dorris Cleveland "D.C." Tongate

1947 - 2010

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