Sadly but true, he leaves to cherish his memories, four sons Thomas Grate, Jr. and Daniel Grate of the home; James A. (Cynthia) Grate; and Deacon Robert J. (Minister Ellar) Grate of Norristown, Pennsylvania; seven daughters Carrie (Deacon Henry) Bullock of Fair Bluff, NC; Gloria Jean (Edmond) McLean; Sadie (Floyd) Attaway; Mary Grate; Deborah (Deacon Marcus) Bennett all of Loris; Doris (Jerome) Bellamy of Longs, SC; and Jeannette Wolf of Newark, NJ; one adopted son Rahdel Grate of the home; four sisters Christine (John) Bennett; Cora Lee Strickland; Patsy McKinnies;  and Lou Jean McBride of Loris, SC. One sister in law Betsy Mae Bolden of Dunbar, SC; one brother in law Marion Watson, Jr. of NY; several special friends; a spiritual confidant Mother Elizabeth Bennett; and a host of grands, great grands, nieces and nephews, and other sorrowing relatives and friends.  

Deacon Thomas "TJ" Grate, Sr was the son of the late Sinnie and Carrie Grate. At an early age, Deacon Grate denounced his earthly self to put on the new man in Christ. He met no strangers and encouraged all in his presence to seek God first. Deacon Grate assisted with the building of Christian Highway Holiness Church, which later merged with Gloyers Pentecostal Holiness Church under the guidance of Pastor Elizabeth Bennett. He then became a member of Bethel Zion Ministries, where he attended faithfully until his health failed. He was able to walk with God under the leadership of his very own niece/nephew, Pastors Lester and Phyllis Spain.

Deacon Grate attended Horry County public schools, and shortly thereafter, he answered the call to serve his nation by enlisting in the United States Army. During World War II, he defended his country, receiving several special medals.

On May 6, 1949, he met and married Mother Eliza Watson Grate. (Mother Grate and five children preceded him in death:  Peggy Ann, Tammy Lynn, Wilbert, and Winfred Grate and Gene Wolf.