Our people: Clovis resident Fred Tate says working is his passion

For Fred K. Tate, 80, work has never been an issue for him. Since he was a child, Tate remembers working to make money for his family. Today he owns Pop's place and has been running the restaurant for 13 years. From Clantonville, Ark., he moved to Tulsa, Okla., where he did electric work on aircrafts like the B-66s and B-47s. From there he moved to Clovis where he got a job at Sears working on appliances. After retirement in 1997, Tate was not ready to slow down. He started 'Pop's Place' where he served six flavors of ice cream, which eventually turned into his restaurant today.

Fred Tate in front of a gas station where he was a station attendant.

Sears company photo of Fred Tate

Fred Tate preparing for his afternoon customers at his diner.

Why did you come to Clovis? I came to Clovis because my sister told me that there were plenty of jobs there. That's when I got a job at Sears and worked on appliances.

What are you passions? Work is my passion. Wherever I'm working, if I've made the people happy, then I'm happy. I've never been unemployed but for a week or two between jobs. I always manage to find work.

Tell us about your family. I have two brothers and two sisters. My two kids work at the restaurant here with me. My son has two daughters and four grandchildren. My daughter has two boys and one girl with four grandchildren as well.

What is the best advise you can give someone? Work hard. Try to do what you want to do and be respectful to people.

Who is your hero? My heroes are my dad and my brothers because they taught me everything I know.

Why do they call you pops? The kids that came to my ice cream store starting calling me Pops. I started of with six flavors and now have 32. I can't advertise 31 but I can do 32. If people can't choose between 32 flavors of ice cream, I don't think they want it.

What is the best pet? A little dog. We had a weenie dog that sometimes I think he had more sense than some people. We also had a little Chihuahua.

Obama, Romney, or other? Romney. I believe that he'll help create some jobs for us. EPA has so many rules now and I remember not having as many rules as today.

If you were given one million dollars, what would you do with it? I would give the money to the church. They do everything they can to help people with bills, housing and clothes. I attend Kingswood church.

What would be your last meal? Chili dog! I love 'em!

— Compiled by CMI staff writer Ryan Schaap